Who Are We?

We are AstroGlass, a team of six senior engineering students at Colorado School of Mines, working alongside Sunburn Space, an innovative startup developing space-based infrastructure. Our team includes:

Brad Dobbins (Electrical Engineer) – Co-CFO

Charles Nelson (Mechanical Engineer) – Co-CFO

Aidan O’Brien-Turner (Mechanical Engineer) – Communications Lead

Pedro Ortiz (Electrical Engineer) – Co-Communications Lead

Jordan Szigeti-Larenne (Mechanical Engineer) – Scrum Master

Robert Warkentine (Mechanical Engineer) – Co-Scrum Master

We are building F.R.E.D. (Freeform Robotic Regolith Engineering Device), a robot designed to turn lunar regolith into construction materials—laying the foundation for a sustainable human presence on the Moon. With mentorship from professional glass blowers and space resource experts, we are tackling one of space exploration’s biggest challenges.

What Are We Doing?

Our goal is to develop and prototype a robotic glassblowing system that transforms lunar regolith into durable bricks and panels for use in future space missions. FRED will use concentrated sunlight to melt regolith, shaping it into materials suitable for landing pads, radiation shielding, and lunar construction materials.

Milestones:

Material Testing – Simulating lunar conditions using regolith analogs

Robotic Manipulation – Developing a system to shape and anneal glass-like materials

Prototype Testing – Testing the robot and changing the design when necessary

Prototype Demonstration – Showcasing our tech in a controlled environment

Why Do We Need Help?

We’ve raised $500 so far, but we need $15,000 to bring FRED to life. Without funding, we can’t purchase key materials, rent lab time, or test our robotic system properly. Your support directly fuels innovation to shape the future of lunar exploration.

Where Will Your Money Go?

$1,500 – Lunar regolith simulants for accurate testing

$2,000 – High-precision actuators and robotic components

$3,500 – Custom molds and testing equipment

$5,000 – Glassblowing lab access and material processing

$3,000 – Electronics and solar collection components

Why Should You Give?

Humanity’s future depends on our ability to build off-world. Our project is a major step toward self-sustaining lunar infrastructure, reducing dependence on costly Earth-based supply chains. With support from leading experts and a driven team, we have the skills and vision to make this a reality.

What Do You Get in Return?

Any Donation – Your name on our project website’s donor wall

$200+ A custom FRED T-shirt

$500+ A regolith-cast keepsake made using FRED’s technology and custom T-shirt

$1,000+ Exclusive invite to our live prototype demo, regolith keepsake, and T-shirt

Join Us in Building the Future!

Your donation helps pave the way for permanent human settlement on the Moon. Be a part of space history - donate today and help us bring F.R.E.D.D. to life!