Team Ad Astra is a multidisciplinary student robotics team focused on designing and developing advanced planetary exploration rovers. The team consists of engineering students working across mechanical, embedded, and software domains to build innovative robotic systems capable of performing tasks required for planetary missions.
Our work focuses on developing efficient mobility systems, robotic manipulation, autonomous navigation, and reliable electrical and communication architectures. We also emphasize the scientific aspects of planetary exploration by integrating systems for terrain analysis, environmental sensing, and sample investigation.
Ad Astra has achieved notable recognition both in international and national rover competitions, securing 1st Runner-Up at the IRoC – ISRO Robotics Challenge(2024) and 1st Runner-Up at the International Rover Challenge (2026). The team is also proud to be the only team from India selected to represent the country at the University Rover Challenge (2025).
Through participation in the European Rover Challenge (ERC), we are ready to learn, explore new ideas, and gain valuable experience by testing our rover in challenging mission scenarios and interacting with international teams
Our journey is supported by our mentors, institution, and sponsors: Altium, SOLIDWORKS, Ansys, Vecmocon, and Sairam Techno Incubator Foundation, along with the continued support of Sairam Institutions.