Antalya:Turkey's Middle East Technical University (METU) is aiming to send its homegrown lunar micro-rover, named 'Cheri,' to the Moon by 2030. The announcement was made by METU's rector, Ahmet Yozgatligil, during the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) held in Antalya.

According to Anadolu Agency, Yozgatligil revealed that the prototype of the rover has been completed and is currently undergoing testing. The Cheri project involves two AI-powered autonomous vehicles, developed in collaboration with the China National Space Administration (CNSA).

These twin rovers are designed to function in the severe environment of the lunar south pole, characterized by extreme cold and limited sunlight. They will operate concurrently to conduct topographic surveys and analyze rock samples through remote sensing.

Yozgatligil also mentioned that the rovers would perform mapping activities and even take a 'selfie' of the mission, highlighting the excitement surrounding these advancements. The prototype was previously presented to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan by Erol Ozvar, head of the Higher Education Council, during the national academic year's opening ceremony.

More than 120 students, alongside faculty members, are involved in the project. Under the EU's 'Go Space' program, students are also working on developing communication protocols for satellites, lunar surface stations, and orbital stations. Additionally, METU contributes to the space sector through initiatives like the Aselabs Program in partnership with defense firm Aselsan.

METU recently joined a microgravity research collaboration with leading European and US universities, following an agreement with Axiom Space. Yozgatligil identified the METU Space Technology Park as their most significant international project, aimed at becoming a hub for space research and commercialization.

The IAC 2026, co-hosted by the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) and the SAHA Istanbul defense cluster, and organized by the Industry and Technology Ministry, began on Monday and will continue until Friday, with Anadolu serving as its global communications partner.