METU's Lunar Vehicle CHERI Will Be Launched in 2030

The artificial intelligence-supported CHERI micro exploration vehicles developed by METU are planned to be sent to the Moon in 2030.

METU Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yozgatlıgil made statements about the university's space projects at the 77th International Space Congress (IAC 2026) held in Antalya. Yozgatlıgil stated that the prototype of the CHERI project, which will operate on the lunar surface, has been completed, the design work has reached the final stage and the tests are continuing.

The project, developed in cooperation with the Chinese Space Agency and universities and companies in China, includes two autonomous micro-exploration vehicles that will work together. Yozgatlıgil stated that more than 120 students and academicians worked on the project. The first launch is targeted for 2030, but it is also stated in the calendar that there may be delays for reasons beyond METU's control.

They will work at the South Pole of the Moon

CHERI vehicles are planned to operate in the South Pole region of the Moon. This region presents challenging conditions for exploration vehicles due to its low sunlight exposure and extremely low temperatures.

The aim is to carry out exploration activities on the lunar surface by operating the two vehicles autonomously together. The vehicles will conduct studies to understand the structure of the region through the data they obtain by examining their surroundings.

Rock samples will be examined remotely

CHERI's main tasks include examining the topographic features of the lunar surface, evaluating rock samples with remote sensing methods, and contributing to the mapping of discovered areas.

Working together of the vehicles will allow data to be collected from different points during the mission and to carry out reconnaissance activities in a coordinated manner. METU Rector Yozgatlıgil stated that the vehicles will also take their own photos during the mission, and humorously described the project as a mission that will send "selfies" from the Moon.

Artificial intelligence and autonomous mobility stand out in the project

CHERI's artificial intelligence-supported and autonomous development is important in terms of being able to carry out missions on the lunar surface without requiring constant direct control from Earth. However, detailed technical features such as the scope of the vehicle's decision-making capabilities, movement speed, range, energy system and scientific measurement equipment have not yet been shared with the public.

METU's work on the project progresses together with the university's other research in the field of space technologies. The university also carries out the European Region-supported Go Space project for the development of communication protocols between space systems and orbiting platforms.

2030 launch target

According to METU's statement, the targeted launch year for CHERI is 2030. However, details about which vehicle the launch will be carried out, the exact date, mission duration and how the two exploration vehicles will be delivered to the Moon surface have not been disclosed.

At the current stage of the project, the completion of the prototype and the continuation of tests stand out. In the coming period, the results of environmental tests, flight preparation studies and the progress of international cooperation will determine whether CHERI can be sent to the Moon on the planned date.