AI Navigation for Autonomous Moon Mission Cargo Transport

Lunar logistics gets a boost.

Researchers at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies (UTIAS) are pioneering new autonomous navigation algorithms developed in support of the Artemis II manned moon mission.

As part of Canada’s proposed lunar utility vehicle, the new algorithms are designed to transport supplies between lunar landing sites and habitats. This can reduce astronauts’ workload and limit their exposure to harsh lunar conditions, boosting mission productivity.

After successful testing on Mars-like terrain in Montreal, the system was selected by the Canadian Space Agency for early-phase study as part of the Artemis program.

“By automating this part of the mission, it saves astronauts time and energy returning to the landing site to pick up cargo, limits astronaut exposure to lunar elements and increases mission productivity.”

— Dr. Tim Barfoot

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