Kean University Researcher Receives NASA Robotics Grant

Moitrayee Chatterjee will lead an AI research project to advance autonomous rover navigation systems for future space missions.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Robotics

A robotic rover stands on a cratered, rocky gray lunar surface under a black sky, symbolizing autonomous space exploration research. — Kean University researcher Moitrayee Chatterjee received a $900,000 NASA grant to develop autonomous AI navigation for planetary rover missions. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Moitrayee Chatterjee of Kean University has been awarded a two-year, nearly $900,000 NASA research grant to develop autonomous navigation technology. The project aims to create AI models capable of assessing terrain to ensure safe travel for rovers on the moon and Mars.

Why it matters

The funding supports the development of navigation systems that allow robotic explorers to adapt to hazardous extraterrestrial landscapes. This technology will be essential for future space missions requiring reliable, independent movement in unknown environments.

The project centers on a $900,000 award covering a two-year period of development. This initiative integrates visual data with physical rover-terrain interaction forces to train advanced machine learning models.

The players

Moitrayee Chatterjee

She is a researcher at Kean University leading the development of autonomous rover navigation systems.

Kean University

This is a public university located in Union, New Jersey, that serves as the home institution for the research project.

NASA

This is the United States government agency responsible for the nation's civilian space program and aeronautics research.

Goddard Space Flight Center

This is a major NASA laboratory located in Greenbelt, Maryland, focused on Earth science, astrophysics, and space communications.

The details

The research will be conducted in collaboration with NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, focusing on software development and machine learning techniques. Students involved will gain experience through research design and coding, while also receiving access to NASA internships and conferences.

The research grant was officially announced on October 21, 2026.
The grant provides funding for a two-year period.

The Tech Race

This project integrates into the broader development of autonomous robotics aimed at replacing manual remote control for lunar and planetary exploration. It reflects a growing industry focus on creating AI systems that can independently handle unforeseen terrain hazards during high-stakes space missions.

Four students will receive stipends and professional opportunities such as internships and conferences throughout the two-year grant period. This partnership provides direct academic and career-building experience for participants working on next-generation aerospace technology.

The takeaway

This grant highlights the importance of integrating university-level research into federal space technology objectives. Students and academic institutions can look to these programs for funding and direct paths into the aerospace and robotics workforce.