Türkiye’s Leading University Joins China’s Moon Program

Sino Turkish
3 May 2025

Middle East Technical University (METU) has joined forces with Chinese institutions to develop micro exploration robots to take part in China’s Chang’e-8 mission, which will land on the south pole of the Moon in 2028. Developed in collaboration with different engineering departments of METU and ROMER (Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Application and Research Centre), these small but capable vehicles are preparing to be sent into space under the name ‘CHERI’.

The project is being carried out with important Chinese partners such as China National Space Administration (CNSA), Zhejiang University and STAR.VISION Aerospace Group. Thus, METU is demonstrating not only its engineering capacity, but also its strength in international cooperation.

The mission of the CHERI rovers on the lunar surface will be to make scientific discoveries and map potential resources such as water ice. Developed to withstand harsh surface conditions, these autonomous systems represent Turkey’s advanced engineering solutions in terms of both hardware and software.

Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yozgatlıgil, Rector of METU, states that this initiative makes a concrete contribution to Türkiye’s space goals and that the scientific partnership established with China is very valuable. The CHERI rovers to be sent to the Moon are expected to carry out scientific discoveries on the surface and undertake resource mapping missions.

This project not only demonstrates the level of Turkish engineering, but also stands out as a good example of the deepening scientific relations between Türkiye and China. In short, these small robots that METU will send to the Moon will symbolise a great cooperation.