Introduction of Campaign
The Mars Rover fund is being created for the Consortium for Research In Space Systems, shortly known as CRISS, a 60+ member Space Engineering and Robotics student-run technical research organization based in BITS Pilani, Pilani campus. The team wants to build an all-terrain autonomous Mars Rover consisting of a robotic arm and science module, capable of life detection, rock analysis and astronaut assistance. With its rover, CRISS will be participating in University Rover Challenge, US in June 2022 and International Rover Challenge, India in February 2022. The project deadline is January 2022, with a total budget of 25 lakhs.
Photograph of Project
Project Cost
| Components | Budget (in Rs.) | Components | Budget (in Rs.) |
| Consumables | 2,00,000 | Rover Communications | 40,000 |
| Machining & Manufacturing | 2,50,000 | Base Station Equipments | 40,000 |
| Wheels | 70,000 | Electronics | 2,50,000 |
| Fixtures | 50,000 | Miscellaneous | 50,000 |
| Motors & Actuators | 2,00,000 | Contingencies | 1,00,000 |
| Prototyping & Research | 1,00,000 | Overhead Charges | 1,00,000 |
| Science (Instruments, Reagents, etc.) | 2,00,000 | Logistics (Travel, Shipping & Components) | 2,00,000 |
| Batteries & Power Distribution System | 35,000 | Entire Rover Shipping | 2,00,000 |
| Onboard Computer | 65,000 | Students’ Travel for IRC Challenge | 2,50,000 |
| Sensors, Cameras & LiDAR | 2,00,000 | GRAND TOTAL | 25,00,000 |
Fundraising Target
According to the development timeline and competition qualifying rounds deadlines, CRISS aims to raise funds and build the rover accordingly, in total 3 stages:
| Stages | Funds Needed | Deadline | Purpose |
| I | Rs. 10 lakhs | 30 th October 2021 | For developing the Moving Rover Prototype for SDDR submission round on Dec 1, 2021. |
| II | Rs. 10 lakhs | 30 th November 2021 | For developing remaining modular components of the rover throughout Dec 2022 till Jan 2022. |
| III | Rs. 5 lakhs | 30 th December 2021 | Covers some logistics, rover shipping, travel charges, contingencies and overhead charges. |
*While preparing these stages, CRISS has taken into account durations related to ordering, shipping, BITS administration affairs, bank transactions & fund mobilization, manufacturing, etc.
How to Donate/Participate?
CRISS is offering 3 major options to contribute to the fundraising campaign:
| Tier | Amount (Rs.) | Benefits |
| Diamond Partner | 10 Lakh + | CSR Tax Reduction, Logos on rover/websites/t-shirts, Social media publicity, Workshops, Custom product marketing, Progress Updates, Review Meetings, Fests banners, Research Conferences Mentions, etc. |
| Gold Partner | 5 Lakh + | CSR Tax Reduction, Logos on websites/t-shirts, Social Media publicity, Progress Updates, Fest Banners, etc. |
| Silver Partner | 2 Lakh + | CSR Tax Reduction, Logos on Websites, Social Media Publicity, etc. |
*CRISS is open to negotiation
Impact
CRISS is fundamentally a space engineering multidisciplinary team with a primary focus on developing space exploration projects. Mars Rover is the team’s first and vital step in that direction, with possible future projects such as Quadrupeds, Multi-rover coordination, lunar drones, etc. The team’s vision is to do groundbreaking research to help develop Pilani Campus’ 1st ever Mars Rover prototype. If given necessary support in terms of funds & resources, CRISS will be able to complete the prototype successfully. Using this prototype, CRISS will also represent the Pilani campus and India in the prestigious University Rover Challenge 2022 organised by the Mars Society. Finally, the team can also provide opportunities for campus students to explore core engineering domains and build a sprawling robotics community.
Attachments
- Detail project details in PDF (Ref link)
- CRISS Official Website Link (Click here)
- Research Work of CRISS (Click here)
Who can I reach out to for more information or help?
You can reach out to the Student Alumni Relations Cell of your respective campus or giving@pilani.bits-pilani.ac.in
