It was called Iris, and it was also the first lunar rover constructed with carbon fiber. It was designed and built by students at Carnegie Mellon University.

Today, we’re going to chat with them ...

Despite a mission failure due to the lander experiencing a propellant leak and missing its lunar target, the Iris team achieved significant milestones. They successfully demonstrated that student-made rovers could survive space conditions, including the Van Allen Belt's radiation, and maintain communication and functions in space.

This project, despite its setbacks, marks a significant achievement in democratizing space exploration and contributes to the broader vision of establishing moon bases and Mars bases as stepping stones for further space exploration.

00:00 The Future of Space Exploration: Moon and Mars Bases

00:42 Introducing can the Iris Lunar Rover Project

05:17 The Team Behind Iris: Roles and Experiences

09:00 Scientific Goals and Achievements of the Iris Rover

12:58 Overcoming Failure: Lessons from a Mission Gone Wrong

22:03 The Next Steps: Future Missions and Career Paths

25:59 Reflecting on the Golden Age of Space Exploration