Project Management Methodologies Applied to a Pressurized Lunar Rover

This thesis explores the application of project management methodologies to the planning and assessment of Pressurized Lunar Rover (PLR) missions, employing structured tools to analyze risks, costs, and quality, and to compare alternative mission profiles. With the growing importance of the space economy and the increasing participation of commercial actors, cost-efficiency, risk management, and mission reliability are vital to the success of lunar operations. The work presents two mission profiles: a Semi-Stationary Rover designed for localized scientific exploration, and a Transport Rover aimed at long-range mobility and surface logistics. For each, a structured project plan is developed using the PMBOK framework and tools such as Microsoft Project, incorporating Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), Gantt charts, and the Critical Path Method (CPM). Risk analysis is performed through a custom Risk Breakdown Structure (RBS), followed by mitigation planning and a Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) for quality assurance. Cost estimation and resource planning are included to evaluate the financial viability of both mission profiles. The results highlight the trade-offs between complexity, autonomy, and cost, offering a comparative foundation for strategic decision-making in future lunar rover programs.