The Australian Space Agency has partnered with NASA to launch Australia’s first lunar rover.
The rover, known as Roo-ver, will collect lunar soil as part of NASA’s Artemis moon missions. It was designed by ELO2, a consortium led by EPE and Lunar Outpost Oceania, and financed with a A$42 million Australian Space Agency grant.
“This is one of the most, if not the most, advanced robotic projects happening in our country,” said Australian Space Agency head Enrico Palermo. “It is a big part of Australia’s commitment and contribution to the Artemis program.”
Roo-ver will test for water and oxygen in the moon’s soil as NASA prepares to build infrastructure for a base camp at the lunar south pole.
“Establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon is a major focus of the international space community over the coming decades, and this mission centres Australia in that foundational work, while advancing our national robotics ecosystem to improve life here on Earth,” said Palermo.
The rover will be launched to the moon by NASA later this decade, and will be used for around 14 days.
Roo-ver will be manufactured, tested, and remotely operated in Australia.
ELO2 unveiled its first Roo-ver prototype in December 2023, and an additional prototype in March this year alongside a live demonstration.
“This mission is about much more than an historic Aussie moonshot, said Science and Industry Minister Ed Husic. “It’s leveraging and building on our know-how in robotics, automation and advanced engineering to build Australia’s manufacturing future.”
