Localization of Core Components for Lunar Rover ... First In-Space Validation with Nuri’s 5th Launch

KERI and UEL Develop Drive Technologies for Extreme Environments
Aiming for Lunar Exploration in 2032

Domestic researchers have launched efforts to localize core drive components for lunar exploration rovers that operate on the moon’s surface. They are developing motors and power conversion devices that can function under the moon’s extreme temperatures and vacuum environment and are planning the first in-space validation of certain components through the 5th launch of the Nuri rocket in October 2026.

The Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) announced on September 18 that the team led by Dr. Ji-Young Lee from KERI’s Aeronautical Mobility Propulsion Research Group is collaborating with UEL, a space robotics startup, to develop electric drive technology for lunar exploration rovers.

KERI electric powertrain mounted on the lunar exploration rover. Provided by KERI

The daytime temperature on the lunar surface can rise to 125°C, and there is almost no atmosphere, creating a vacuum that makes it difficult to use standard motors and electronic components. Fine lunar dust can also interfere with the operation of drive systems.

The research team is developing motor and power conversion device technology to enable a rover weighing less than 25 kilograms to climb 10-degree slopes and travel at a speed of 4 meters per second, even in these harsh conditions. The power conversion device transforms the battery’s electricity into a form suitable for driving the motor.

First In-Space Validation with Nuri’s 5th Launch ... Moon Exploration Targeted for 2032

The team is also building a Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation (HILS) system that allows real-time verification of component performance in simulated space environments. By analyzing the operating characteristics of the motor and power conversion device, they aim to detect potential issues that could arise in actual space missions in advance.

The first in-space validation will also be attempted via the 5th launch of the Nuri rocket, scheduled for October 7. KERI will provide technological support for the space environment demonstration of certain components, such as control boards, promoted by UEL.

The components being sent to space this time are not the rover’s entire motor or electrical drive system. The research team plans to use the demonstration data in their ground studies and gradually expand the scope of in-space validation to include the entire electric drive system, including the motor, in the future.

The goal is to gain “space heritage”—a record of components operating reliably in actual space environments. Even if the performance of space components is verified through ground tests, lack of in-space operational experience can pose limitations in applying them to missions.

Dr. Lee Ji-young of KERI is posing while holding a rover motor and power conversion device. Provided by KERI

The research team also analyzed the operational performance of space-bound motors and inverters using measurement data. After identifying characteristics that required further review, they worked with manufacturers for about five months to clarify and resolve those characteristics.

KERI is in charge of designing and verifying the motors and power conversion devices, while UEL provides rover system development and operational experience. By integrating component and robot system development, they aim to localize key parts that have relied on overseas technology.

The team’s long-term goal is to send an exploration rover equipped with KERI’s electric drive technology to the lunar surface, in line with the government’s objective of a lunar landing by 2032.

Dr. Ji-Young Lee of KERI said, “In the early stages of research, there were hardly any references available, so we traveled across the country to connect with space experts and build a network. By 2032, we are determined to land a rover carrying KERI’s proprietary technology on the moon and usher in a new era of space mobility for Korea.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.