Russian Scientists Unveil a Unique Wind Generator for a Mars Rover
At Moscow’s 'Science 0+' festival, engineers from Lomonosov Moscow State University showcased a Mars rover powered by wind — a breakthrough in renewable energy for space exploration.
At the XX International 'Science 0+' Festival in Moscow, researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU) presented a robotic Mars rover capable of converting wind energy into electricity. The rover, weighing about 70 kilograms, is equipped with a vertical-axis wind generator based on Savonius turbines. To recharge, the system requires wind speeds of at least 10 meters per second. The robot is designed to collect soil samples, study the Martian atmosphere, and capture images of the planet’s surface.
The 'Science 0+' festival runs in Moscow from October 10 to 12, 2025, with more than one hundred venues hosting exhibits. This year’s theme — 'Your Quantum Universe' — aligns with the UN’s International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.
Earthbound Testing Before the Red Planet
After the festival, the research team plans to test the rover in Kamchatka under varying wind conditions. The project is supported by MSU’s Research and Education School of Fundamental and Applied Space Studies. According to the scientists, this development demonstrates the potential of renewable energy in planetary exploration. A wind-powered rover could extend mission lifespans and reduce dependence on traditional power sources like solar panels or nuclear batteries — paving the way for longer, more autonomous expeditions across Mars and beyond.
