Lunar Zebro

🌗 The annual review of the 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 last week was a resounding success ! Followed by inspiring speeches from the Deans of TU Delft | Aerospace Engineering and TU Delft | Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, we had in-depth technical discussions on diverse research topics including Autonomous Sensing, Studying Earth as an exoplanet, Radiation sensing and Autonomous Swarms. 🚀 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐫 (𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞) 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐛𝐲 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐔 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐭. The program is a true example of how collaborative science is the only way to realise ambitious space projects. 🗣️ Moonshot started in 2023 and comprises of 7 workpackages from 5 TU Delft faculties. The program is co-funded by the Delft Space Institute, Faculty of EEMCS and Faculty of Aerospace, and supported in kind by Faculties of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Faculty of ME and Faculty of Architecture. Moonshot supports the Lunar Zebro team, in realising the dream of the first European and Dutch Moon mission. 🚀 Moonshot will continue it’s trailblazing work in 2025 ✨ Raj Thilak Rajan Fabio Sebastiano Luka Peternel Alessandra Menicucci Henriette Bier Victor Trees Prem Sundaramoorthy Giorgia Giardina Alle-Jan van der Veen Lucas van Vliet Henri Werij Paco Lopez Dekker Lunar Zebro TU Delft Space Institute Delft University of Technology TU Delft | Aerospace Engineering TU Delft | Mechanical Engineering TU Delft | Civil Engineering and Geosciences Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, TU Delft TU Delft | Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The recent post by Lunar Zebro highlights an inspiring example of how CERN's CHARM facility is driving innovation in space technology. The Lunar Zebro project, developed by TU Delft University, is the world’s smallest six-legged lunar rover, designed to explore the Moon’s surface autonomously. Stan Broere , Bsc conducted test at CHARM to validate the Floating Gate Dosimeter (FGDOS) from Sealicon Microsystems, paving the way for more resilient radiation payloads in space missions. These efforts showcase CHARM’s unique ability to replicate mixed-field radiation environments that simulate specific space conditions, enabling advanced testing and validation. This collaboration exemplifies the immense potential of combining expertise and resources across different sectors. It’s a great reminder of the impact that facilities like CHARM can have on future space exploration. Kudos to the Lunar Zebro team, Alessandra Menicucci Stan Broere , Bsc and everyone involved for their dedication and inspiring work.

🚀 Testing Radiation Resilience at CERN’s CHARM Facility: Advancing Space Payloads! 🌌 Big news! The radiation sensing work package from the TU Delft | Moonshot program, guided by Dr. Alessandra Menicucci and implemented by Stan Broere, recently conducted vital radiation tests at #CERN's CHARM facility to validate the current #radiation payload and explore new applications for the Floating Gate Dosimeter (FGDOS). CHARM’s unique mixed-field radiation environment, simulating certain aspects of #space conditions, allowed us to assess our payload’s resilience across various radiation types and energy levels. Under the #Moonshot program, we were able to carry out these crucial tests at CERN. For the campaign, we built two specialized radiation payloads with fours sensors each, maximizing data collection to thoroughly validate our objectives. Upon arrival, the team completed a #safety course and carefully validated the setup in a mock environment before launching into a rigorous two-week radiation campaign. With limited opportunities for adjustments, the team executed each phase with precision. A special thank you to the CHARM facility Coordination team, Salvatore Fiore and Salvatore Danzeca, for their support and guidance throughout the testing process. Preliminary results confirm the system’s functionality and open exciting new avenues for #research. A huge thank you to the dedicated team who made this possible, pushing forward our understanding and readiness for #space applications! #CERN #CHARM #SpaceInnovation #SpacePayloads #SpaceExploration #DSI TU Delft Space Institute Raj Thilak Rajan Prachi Sachdeva Chris Verhoeven TU Delft | Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science TU Delft | Aerospace Engineering

🚀 Day 5 at IAC2024: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Explorers! 🌑 A week ago, Chris Verhoeven delivered an engaging presentation at the NL Space Campus booth, diving deep into the world of #swarming robots and their groundbreaking applications on the #Moon. 🌕 A large group of enthusiastic young students gathered to learn about the first #European and #Dutch Moon mission planned, designed and built by Delft University of Technology and how these autonomous swarm robots are being designed to explore the lunar surface. It was inspiring to see such curiosity and excitement from the students as Chris showcased how #robotics and swarming technology will shape the future of #lunar exploration. Our team at #TUDelft is proud to share our expertise with the next generation and spark their interest in space science and innovation. 👩🚀 We’re thrilled to be part of a movement that not only advances space exploration but also engages young minds in the fascinating field of robotics!🌍 #IAC2024 #SpaceInnovation #LunarZebro #SwarmingRobots #TUDelft #ChrisVerhoeven #Robotics #LunarExploration #FutureScientists TU Delft | Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science TU Delft | Aerospace Engineering Alessandra Menicucci Raj Thilak Rajan Arash Noroozi Prachi Sachdeva

🚀 We're proud to announce that our booth at IAC2024 has been awarded the 'Best Innovative Booth' of the entire exhibition 🌕 ! IAC this year was attended by 14K delegates & visitors, with over 150 exhibitors including space agencies, companies and institutes from across the world. Being rewarded for our #innovation amidst the best and most talented of the #space world is a true honor for us! At IAC this year, we've showcased to the world the groundbreaking work on #Lunar Science and Missions at TU Delft, which includes the Lunar Zebro project and Program Moonshot. We have been exhibiting at IAC for many years, slowly building upon our capability and using these conferences and exhibitions as feedback to learn and improve. Our win this year shows us that we are recognized within the global space community and much closer to the #Moon than when we started in 2017. Our exhibition booth was used as a demo area for the Zebro rovers to showcase #autonomy. The rover detects & assesses the obstacles in front of it and plans its #path #autonomously using an in-house built #algorithm to reach the end point. Our team is proud to represent TU Delft and the NL Space ecosystem. We take this moment to thank all our partners that believe in us and support us. TU Delft | Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science TU Delft | Aerospace Engineering TU Delft Space Institute International Astronautical Federation AIDAA - The Italian Association of Aeronautics and Astronautics Alessandra Menicucci, Arash Noroozi, Chris Verhoeven, Prachi Sachdeva, Raj Thilak Rajan

📣 Final Day at #IAC2024! Join us on this exciting day at the #NLSpace Pavilion for the final spacebreaking session and connect with the Dutch space delegation. You can find us at booth MS-C09. 🪲 10:00-10:30 – Robotic Beetles Conquering the Moon (TU Delft) 🌒 💬 Chris Verhoeven, Associate Professor at TU Delft and pioneer in swarm robotics: “The Lunar Zebro is not just a robot; it represents the future of space exploration. With a swarm of these agile machines, astronauts will have reliable partners capable of adapting to the Moon’s unpredictable environment. This is our chance to lead Europe in space innovation.” 🎉 16:30-17:30 – IAC Closing ceremony Celebrate the conclusion of an inspiring week of innovations at the #IAC2024. Let’s look forward to the future of space exploration together! Nederlands Lucht- en Ruimtevaartcentrum, NSO - Netherlands Space Office, SpaceNed ISISPACE Group, cosine meetsystemen, SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research CGI Nederland, NL Space Campus, TNO, TU Delft, S[&]T, Lunar Zebro #NLSpaceIAC2024 #SpaceTech #LunarZebro #NLSpace #IAC2024

Day 4: Moonshot Program at IAC 2024 🌑 🚀 At IAC2024, Dr. Raj Thilak Rajan delivered an engaging presentation on Program #Moonshot of Delft University of Technology, which holds the vision to advance science, technology, and social solutions for #Lunar missions. Dr. Raj stitched a beautiful timeline of modern #space exploration, starting with the building desire for exploration in the mid-1900s and bringing it to the modern day, where talented #TUDelft researchers are making strides in various fields of #LunarScience. 📡 Program Moonshot currently focuses its research on a wide range of topics, including #multiagent systems, #swarming, #autonomous sensing, #radiation sensing, #robotic manipulation, and studying Earth as an exoplanet. These lunar science developments are built on the #LunarZebro platform, a micro-rover capable of complex missions using swarming technology. 🤖 Program Moonshot emphasises the importance of #collaboration in building #spacetechnology and shows how multi-disciplinary research paves the way for the next generation of space missions. 🌑 TU Delft Space Institute #SpaceInnovation #TUDelft #SpaceTech #SpaceResearch #PNT #STEM #RadioAstronomy #LunarMission Alessandra Menicucci, Arash Noroozi, Prachi Sachdeva, Chris Verhoeven

📣 Day 4 at #IAC2024 More groundbreaking sessions at the #NLSpace Pavilion! Join us today at booth MS-C09 for an inspiring lineup of cutting-edge innovation from Dutch space leaders: 🌕 10:30-11:00 – TU Delft Shooting for the Moon 🤖 Meet Lunar Zebro, the Netherlands’ very own moon rover! This remarkable, cornflake-sized robot, developed by a talented studentteam at TU Delft, is set to explore the lunar surface. Its potential impact? Enormous! With this mission, the team aims to place the Dutch flag on the Moon, marking a giant leap in space exploration. 🛡️ 15:00-15:30 – CGI Netherlands: Your independent Mission Critical IT Partner Learn how CGI Netherlands is ensuring the success of space missions with its robust, independent mission-critical IT solutions. Discover how they help organizations navigate complex, high-stakes space operations with precision and reliability. Don’t miss out on these exciting sessions, come explore the future of space with us! Nederlands Lucht- en Ruimtevaartcentrum, NSO - Netherlands Space Office, SpaceNed, ISISPACE Group, cosine meetsystemen SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research, CGI Nederland, NL Space TNO, TU Delft, S[&]T, Lunar Zebro #IAC2024 #NLSpaceIAC2024 #NLSpace #SpaceTech #Innovation #MoonExploration #LunarZebro

A special moment at IAC2024 as we welcomed Mascha Baak, the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Italy, to our booth!✨ She was accompanied by Vivian Dornseiffen, Economic Advisor at the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Italy. This visit provided an opportunity to showcase TU Delft’s groundbreaking efforts in #Lunar #Science and #Missions, including Lunar #Zebro and Program Moonshot, which left a strong impression on both the general and her advisor. This interaction highlighted the importance of lunar exploration within the institutional and political landscape and reaffirmed the significance of fostering collaborations across sectors and nations to drive progress in #SpaceInnovation. 🌌🤝 We are grateful for the continued support from the Dutch Embassy in Italy as we work towards expanding our mission objectives. Exciting times ahead for #LunarExploration! 🚀🌠 #IAC2024 #SpaceDiplomacy #EmbassyNL #LunarZebro #LunarMissions #LunarScience #SpaceExploration #InnovationInSpace #ESA #NetherlandsInSpace Delft University of Technology, Alessandra Menicucci, Raj Thilak Rajan, Prachi Sachdeva, Chris Verhoeven, Arash Noroozi, Prem Sundaramoorthy

Exciting day at IAC2024! 🚀 Today, our Head of Partner Relations, Prachi Sachdeva, delivered a compelling pitch at the NL Space Pavilion, showcasing the #Lunar #Science and #Missions of TU Delft and attracting the next generation of young professionals to careers in #Space. 🌕✨ The Lunar Mission initiative focuses on developing innovative technologies for #lunar #exploration, particularly through projects like #LunarZebro, which aims to advance robotic missions on the Moon. In parallel, #LunarScience involves researching #lunar #characteristics such as radiation, as seen in the Program Moonshot. This contributes to our understanding of the Moon and its potential for future human #exploration. Join us at our booths to learn more about how we’re shaping the future of lunar exploration. Your engagement fuels innovation! #IAC2024 #LunarScience #LunarMission #LunarZebro #TUDelft #NLspace #ProgramMoonshot #Networking #SpaceInnovation TU Delft Alessandra Menicucci Arash Noroozi Chris Verhoeven Raj Thilak Rajan