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.
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
Contribute Now