Ad Astra Is a Student-Run, Multidisciplinary Team Driven to Design and Build the Next Generation of Mars Rovers to Explore the Red Planet's Habitability. Students from various disciplines and technical clubs from our institution were shortlisted and handpicked based on their interest and skillset. Thus, our team comprises of 56 space enthusiasts with inquisitive minds who want to learn and work with extraterrestrial robotics in preparation for upcoming human exploration of Mars. We connect with the public digitally via our social media handles and our institution’s landing pages.

VISION

Our vision is to inspire and cultivate the next generation of space explorers and scientists by creating a comprehensive and accessible program for students to engage in cutting-edge research and development in the field of space technology. We aim to foster a community of lifelong learners and innovators who will shape the future of space exploration.

MISSION

The mission of the student rover team is to design, build, and operate a rover capable of exploring and conducting scientific experiments on other planets, while inspiring and educating future generations of scientists, engineers, and space enthusiasts.

The Mechanical Subsystem has a primary objective of developing and constructing a robust and reliable rover structure that can function in a variety of challenging environments, including rough and uneven terrain. To achieve this goal, the subsystem will employ established engineering principles to design and build a stable structure that is capable of operating effectively in these difficult conditions. The team responsible for the Mechanical Subsystem will ensure that the design and construction of the rover adhere to strict engineering standards, ensuring its ability to perform its intended functions in the most challenging of circumstances. This system will play a critical role in the overall success of the project and the team is committed to ensuring that the Mechanical Subsystem meets all its performance requirements.

The AI and Communication Subsystem is a critical aspect of the functioning of the rover during the Autonomous Navigation Mission. It is accountable for executing various object detection processes such as object tracking and image processing, aimed at detecting specimens and conducting life-existence tests. Furthermore, the subsystem is responsible for the control of the rover's movements, which can be performed either manually or autonomously. This is facilitated by the utilization of advanced communication mechanisms, which ensure the smooth transfer of information and commands between the different components of the rover. The efficient operation of these communication mechanisms is indispensable to the proper functioning of the AI and Communication Subsystem and is crucial to the success of the Autonomous Navigation Mission. The subsystem represents a key element of the rover and its effective performance is of utmost importance to the attainment of the mission's objectives.

The electronics subsystem is a crucial component of a rover in a competition. It is responsible for Controls and coordinated various systems such as propulsion, communication, navigation, and payload instruments. The subsystem consists of electronic boards, sensors, actuators, and power management systems that work together to perform specific tasks. The electronics subsystem must be designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions and provide reliable performance in real-time. The use of advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming increasingly common in the design of these systems, allowing rovers to make autonomous decisions, communicate with ground control, and process data with greater efficiency. The electronics subsystem is critical to the success of a rover in a competition, and its design and implementation require a deep understanding of electronics, software, and mechanical engineering.

The Science Subsystem has the important responsibility of conducting scientific research and analysis to determine the environmental conditions on Martian planets. To achieve this goal, the subsystem will employ advanced scientific and engineering techniques to collect and analyze samples from the planet's surface. This information will then be used to generate a comprehensive report on the existence of life on Martian planets. The Science Subsystem plays a crucial role in the overall project as it provides key insights into the conditions on these distant worlds. The team responsible for the Science Subsystem is committed to conducting thorough and rigorous analysis to ensure the validity of their findings. The results generated by this subsystem will provide valuable information to the scientific community and contribute to our understanding of the possibilities for life in the universe.

The Operational Team holds a crucial position within the organization, providing crucial support from a non-technical perspective. This team's responsibilities encompass a wide range of areas, including business liaison, logistics management, media and design, outreach coordination, and finance management. The business sub-team is a vital component of the Operational Team, playing an essential role in shaping and supporting the organization as a whole. The responsibilities of the business sub-team include establishing connections with businesses, overseeing logistics processes, managing media and design projects, coordinating outreach activities, and ensuring that the organization's finances are effectively managed. The efforts of the Operational Team and its business sub-team are critical to the success of the organization and its goals, as they provide essential support that enables the organization to function effectively and efficiently.