Tartu Observatory partners with Proekspert and KuupKulgur to develop AI-based navigation for Lunar exploration

Tartu Observatory will start developing advanced AI-enabled simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) solutions for planetary exploration in cooperation with Estoniain software company Proekspert and KuupKulgur NGO. The Lunar analog facility at Tartu Observatory’s Space Missions Simulation Center will be used for real-world data collection and system validation.

A key part of developing the AI-enabled solution is ULYSSES, a high-precision extraterrestrial simulation software developed at Tartu Observatory. ULYSSES generates realistic Lunar landscapes, allowing AI algorithms to be trained and tested in a controlled environment.

“This project is an exciting step forward for autonomous space exploration. AI-powered navigation is essential for ensuring rovers and landers can operate independently in harsh environments like the Moon. By developing and testing these solutions at Tartu Observatory, we contribute not only to upcoming ESA missions but also to Estonia’s growing reputation as a space technology hub,” says Mihkel Pajusalu, the Head of Space Technology Department at Tartu Observatory.

Supported by the European Space Agency (ESA), this collaboration aims to enhance autonomous navigation technologies for future Lunar missions. By bridging industry and academia, the partnership fosters cutting-edge research and technological innovation. Proekspert will gain access to KuupKulgur’s hardware as a test platform, enabling new explorations in machine learning, embedded systems, and software development for space applications.

KuupKulgur is an ambitious project driven by University of Tartu students that addresses the multifaceted challenge of designing Lunar rover systems. Spanning disciplines from mechanical engineering to robotics, the project provides practical experience while contributing to Estonia’s growing expertise in space technology.

“Beyond space applications, the AI-based navigation technologies developed in this initiative have potential benefits for Earth-based industries, including autonomous vehicles, robotic systems, and smart city infrastructure. These advancements not only enhance Estonia’s leadership in space technology but also create new opportunities for innovation in other high-tech sectors,” adds Pajusalu.

The next steps of this collaboration include extensive testing in Tartu Observatory’s Lunar analog environment, software refinements based on real-world simulations, and potential integration into upcoming ESA space missions. As development progresses, the team aims to demonstrate a fully autonomous Lunar navigation system capable of supporting future robotic and human missions on the Moon.