Swinburne ‘Rock Muncher’ takes part in Australian Rover Challenge

A multidisciplinary student team from Swinburne University of Technology competed in the 2024 Australian Rover Challenge held in Adelaide, South Australia. The Swinburne Rover Team’s creation, the Swinburne ‘Rock Muncher’, was a testament to months of tireless effort and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

The event took place in a custom-built simulated lunar environment, with student teams participating from across Australia.

Competing in three challenges, including a post-landing task, an excavation and construction task, and a space resources task, the Swinburne team showcased their lunar rover’s versatility and technical prowess.

Angelina The, the team’s business co-lead, said the project had a positive impact on the team’s personal and professional development.

"Being part of this project gave the team opportunities to not only improve soft skills such as teamwork, leadership and stress management, but also to develop professionally, by testing various technical skills. This project has definitely opened doors for us."

Mukul Chadha, fellow co-lead, said participating in the challenge was deeply rewarding.

"Having the chance to represent Swinburne in the Australian Rover Challenge as a pioneering entry has been amazing. As one of many teams participating, we represent a collective effort to further our space industry and workforce."

The Swinburne Rover Team's journey was guided by mentors Dr Rebecca Allen and Associate Professor Andrew Ang, co-directors of Swinburne's Space Technology and Industry Institute. Their mentorship reflects Swinburne's commitment to fostering excellence in space technology research and education.

"Watching the Swinburne Rover Team's progress has been inspiring. Their ingenuity and collaborative spirit epitomises the qualities needed by our next generation of space technology innovators,” said Dr Allen.

Following the Australian Rover Challenge, the Swinburne team aims to keep pushing the boundaries of space technology, and to inspire future generations of scientists, engineers, and designers to join Australia’s rapidly growing space science industry.