METU Leads CHERI Lunar Rover Mission for Chang’e‑8

We're thrilled to share that METU is leading the CHERI Project (Chang’e‑8 Smart Lunar Exploration Robots), selected by the China National Space Administration for the Chang’e‑8 Moon mission in 2028!

In partnership with STAR.VISION Aerospace and Zhejiang University, we’re developing cutting‑edge robotics and AI for micro‑rovers to explore and map the Moon’s South Pole.

Our Aerospace Engineering Department is at the heart of this mission:

• Assoc. Prof. Halil Ersin Soken (Chief Design Engineer & Principal Investigator) leads the CHERI project.
• Asst. Prof. Görkem Eğemen Güloğlu (Deputy Chief Design Engineer & AE Coordinator) and Prof. Demirkan Çöker provide key engineering solutions.

This mission marks a major milestone in showcasing Türkiye’s space engineering excellence on a global stage.

Stay tuned as more faculty and students join this incredible journey to the Moon!