Obuda University Secures Nearly HUF 390 million in Funding for Space Research Project
Óbuda University received a non-refundable grant of HUF 389,333,959 within the framework of the HU-RIZONT International Excellence Research Cooperation Program (code number: 2025-1.2.1-HU-RIZONT) for the implementation of the project, titled “New perspectives in transatlantic space industry innovation: Development of sustainable robotic and human-centered systems for near-Earth and cislunar space exploration,” identification number: 2025-1.2.1-HU-RIZONT-2025-00125.
The HORIZON-X project aims to create a high-impact transatlantic research and development collaboration between Rice University (Rice Space Institute), Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania, and Obuda University Space Lab, accelerating the development of sustainable space technologies for near-Earth and lunar economies and missions. The program builds on the partners’ complementary strengths: autonomous robotics and embedded systems, human-machine collaboration and human spaceflight systems, digital twin-based modeling, and system-level integration of sustainability.
The main research and development directions of the project include (i) the joint development of a next-generation autonomous lunar rover prototype – with machine learning and digital twin-assisted navigation and resource exploration capabilities –, (ii) solutions supporting real-time physiological and cognitive monitoring adapted to spacesuit and EVA workflows, and (iii) digital twin-based integrated modeling of cislunar systems to optimize resource efficiency and mission resilience. Expected results of the project include a mobility/robotics demonstrator suitable for a Moon-analog environment, biometric feedback integrated into EVA processes, digital twin-based simulation tools, and a Cislunar Sustainability Framework supporting responsible, environmentally friendly and economically scalable space infrastructure and operations design (ISRU/SSA, debris mitigation, circular resource loops). In addition to technology demonstrations, the project strengthens the long-term transatlantic innovation partnership with international workshops, researcher and student mobility, and an exploitation and IP roadmap.
The main research and development directions of the project include (i) the joint development of a next-generation autonomous lunar rover prototype – with machine learning and digital twin-assisted navigation and resource exploration capabilities –, (ii) solutions supporting real-time physiological and cognitive monitoring adapted to spacesuit and EVA workflows, and (iii) digital twin-based integrated modeling of cislunar systems to optimize resource efficiency and mission resilience. Expected results of the project include a mobility/robotics demonstrator suitable for a Moon-analog environment, biometric feedback integrated into EVA processes, digital twin-based simulation tools, and a Cislunar Sustainability Framework supporting responsible, environmentally friendly and economically scalable space infrastructure and operations design (ISRU/SSA, debris mitigation, circular resource loops). In addition to technology demonstrations, the project strengthens the long-term transatlantic innovation partnership with international workshops, researcher and student mobility, and an exploitation and IP roadmap.
