Bernard Dobravec: 
Lunar mission design

Project title: Propulsion of lunar vehicles and optimization of missions

Author: Bernard Dobravec

Project overview:

Bernard's project is concerned with the development of an innovative propulsion system for a lunar vehicle designed to sustain operations on the Moon for at least one week. By overcoming the challenges of lunar conditions and focusing on the operational phase of the mission, the project aims to provide a practical and innovative proof of concept.

Main objectives:

• Transportation: determine how the vehicle can be efficiently transported to the Moon, taking into account logistics, costs and environmental impact.

• Mission operations: Development and testing of the main propulsion and operational systems with a focus on power supply, communication, navigation and data acquisition under lunar conditions.

• Retirement: developing strategies for the responsible management and decommissioning of equipment after its operational life.

Core innovation:

The biggest challenge is propulsion, which is particularly delicate on the Moon. The project will evaluate and optimize existing propulsion technologies or investigate alternative concepts such as electrostatic propulsion or ice-derived rocket fuel. The focus is on creative solutions that are sustainable and efficient.

Vision for success:

Achieving sustainable lunar operations for one week would be a significant milestone. This project combines the methodical analysis of current technologies with the development of new innovations to overcome technical obstacles and pave the way for the future of lunar exploration.

About Bernard:

Bernard Dobravec (2007) is an aspiring student at Grammar School Vic in Ljubljana, Slovenia, with a wide range of interests. He has been active in science, technology and music since childhood.

As for his interest in STEM subjects, the universe has always been a source of inspiration for him. During his primary school years, he won various awards and first places for projects in the fields of mechatronics, mechanical engineering, chemistry, physics, business, mathematics, etc. at national level. He later expanded his ambitions at international level when he was included in the final round of the 2024 Genius Olympiad in the programming category.

As for the future, he is particularly interested in acquiring skills and knowledge in interdisciplinary engineering fields, perhaps at the Faculty of Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, to continue finding innovative solutions to humanity's challenges on Earth and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in research.

At the moment, however, he is looking for opportunities such as various conferences and communities like Zavod 404 and Knowledge Angels, where he can pursue his interests with people from all over the world.

In addition to his involvement in STEM fields, he also maintains his great passion for music, especially jazz. Parallel to his studies at the Conservatory of Music and Ballet in Ljubljana, he plays in several big bands, including the Ljubljana Academy of Music, and regularly gives concerts with his own and other smaller jazz groups.

Carried by John Coltrane’s thought “I want to be a force for real good",” he believes in the potential that lies in the combination of different human fields of activity and professions for a better future for mankind.

Photos: Bernard Dobravec's personal archive