Research

Lunar landing architecture for rapid science-focused missions to harsh terrain

The lunar south polar region is high priority for future robotic missions and eventually for a human base. The presence of Permanently Shadowed Regions near the South Pole makes it prime candidate for surface and sub-surface water ice, a crucial resource for permanent human base. However, these regions are extremely challenging to land on due to ruggedness, extreme slopes, and long shadows due to low sun angle. Traditional landers have so far been designed to land on benign surface. We are designing a smart plug-and-play impact attenuation system utilizing inflatable airbags that can deliver instruments and micro-rovers by absorbing impact loads and eliminating the need for precise touchdown requirements.

Funded by: ANRF Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant

Earth-Moon transfer strategies using low-thrust low-energy trajectories

To enable practical trajectory solutions for future missions, especially those involving small spacecraft, a comprehensive systems approach is needed—one that integrates propulsion trade-offs, trajectory optimization, and surface delivery strategies. In this project, we aim to address that need by (1) developing novel mission design tools that take a hybrid and multi-disciplinary approach to design low-thrust transfer strategies and (2) designing a small-scale technology demonstrator mission concept that incorporates practical constraints. 

Funded by: ISRO Space Technology Cell IITK

Lunar surface exploration technologies for lava tubes and permanently shadowed regions

Two of the most interesting features to explore are the lunar lava tubes and the permanently shadowed regions (PSR). The lava tubes can act as natural radiation shields for astronauts, thus reducing health risks and extending possible stay duration. While the PSRs are prime candidate locations for relatively higher abundance of water ice near surface. These regions are rugged and do not have ideal conditions for traditional lander and roving systems. There is a need for a roving architecture that can sustain high impact loads, navigate rugged terrain, and function in the shadowed regions without the need for radioisotope technology for heating which is inhibitive due to cost and availability. We are working on a tethered rover system where the mother rover traverses from the landing location to the exploration zone, carries a tethered secondary rover, provide power and data line to the secondary rover, and acts as an anchor while the secondary rover collects data.

Funded by: IITK Internal Grant

Characterizing Venusian atmosphere dynamics using archival probe data 

The super rotating atmosphere of Venus has been of scientific interest for several decades. Understanding and characterizing the atmospheric dynamics, wind patterns, the transport processes, interaction of the different layers, and phenomenon such as gravity waves are part of the science goals of future missions. For in situ probe missions, it is also important to understand and predict the interactions of the probe with the atmosphere and how these dynamics affect the probe’s stability, trajectory, science measurements, and radio link for data return.  

Funded by: ISRO Venus Science AO

Maximizing data return from a Venus atmospheric probe mission

We are designing communication architecture for a probe-orbiter mission to maximize the data relayed by the probe to an orbiter or fly-by spacecraft. This work will support future missions such as the Morning Star Missions to Venus and possibly the Venus Orbiter Mission.