HIMANSHU RAI
Mr. Balaji Rengarajan
himanshu_rai@nid.edu
This project presents the concept and design of a Lunar Excavation and Mining Rover for 2030, intended to operate in the extreme environment of the lunar south pole where craters contain water ice, helium-3, and rare minerals. It integrates advanced mobility for rugged terrain, autonomous and remote-control capabilities, and modular attachments for excavation, hauling, and resource extraction. Sustainability is central, using solar arrays, advanced batteries, and potential nuclear backup. The rover also serves as an emergency support vehicle for astronauts. Combining material innovations, robotics, and user-centric design, it aims to support future lunar infrastructure and in-situ resource utilization. The study emphasizes the rover’s role as a crucial enabler for long-term human presence and industrial activity on the Moon.