Middle East Technical University is the project coordinator and lead institution for CHERI (Chang’e-8 Smart Lunar Exploration Robots), a flagship international collaboration within the China National Space Administration's (CNSA) Chang'e-8 mission. METU is guiding a consortium that includes STAR.VISION Aerospace Group Limited and Zhejiang University.

The project focuses on developing advanced micro-rovers designed to explore the Moon’s South Pole in 2028. The METU Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department is responsible for the overall system architecture, integration of partner contributions, and the development of cutting-edge robotics and artificial intelligence for the rovers.

Our department contributes to all sub-systems of the CHERI project, with activities spanning from electronics design and the creation of autonomy algorithms to the final assembly and testing in our newly renovated cleanroom facility.

The project’s technical development is steered by a team of our faculty members from various departments. Assoc. Prof. Halil Ersin Soken from Aerospace Engineering serves as the Chief Design Engineer, providing essential coordination across the international institutions. Supporting the project’s technical direction, Assoc. Prof. M. Mert Ankarali acts as the EE Coordinator and Deputy Chief Design Engineer, focusing on seamless collaboration and robust system performance. The department administration actively supports this strategic commitment by mobilizing faculty, facilities, and essential resources.

The initial METU EE representatives on the CHERI team include Prof. Aydın Alatan, Assoc. Prof. Ozan Keysan, and Asst. Prof. Hasan Uluşan. As the mission progresses, more of our faculty and students will have the opportunity to contribute to this significant journey.

This landmark endeavor underscores METU's capabilities in space robotics and highlights Turkish engineering expertise on a global stage.