Australia’s first ever Moon rover – Roo-ver – now has its lift off details.
Roo-ver will be carried to the lunar surface on CT-4 around the end of this decade. Its journey to the Moon will be delivered through NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative.
NASA has entrusted the Australian lunar rover with key research objectives, which includes collecting new data about the surface of the Moon to support international space science and exploration goals.
While demonstrating Australian innovations on the Moon, Roo-ver will also be supercharged with an integrated NASA payload – an analysis instrument intended to demonstrate technology for scientific and exploration purposes.
In time, Roo-ver’s explorations will help global efforts to establish possible sustainable human presence in space.
A history-making national mission
The Australian Government is investing $42 million into the development, design, build, and operation of the semi-autonomous rover.
Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres underscored how these capabilities will not only strengthen Australia’s space sector, but also enhance innovation.
In addition, the Minister highlighted how the development of Roo-ver will boost and inspire the STEM workforce we need for the future.
“This is one of the most specialised robotics and advanced manufacturing projects in the country. It’s accelerating the development of Australia’s advanced technical capabilities and deepening local manufacturing expertise.
“Roo-ver is a prime example of how space can be a driver of the Albanese Labor Government’s Future Made in Australia agenda to grow national industrial capability, boost productivity, and build economic resilience.”
~ Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres.
Meet Roo-ver
The Australian-made rover that will go to the Moon with NASA.
A new chapter in Australian-US space relations
Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo pointed out how Roo-ver demonstrates the cutting-edge capability Australia can offer to major global space exploration like NASA’s Artemis missions.
“Establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon and Mars is a key focus of the international space community over the coming decades, and the work we’re doing with Roo-ver centres Australia in that foundational work.
“This is also another chapter in our long and valued partnership with NASA in space – a partnership as important today and for our future as it was when it first began almost 70 years ago.”
~ Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo.
A giant leap for Australia
Roo-ver's journey to the Moon will be the furthest any Australian space object has travelled.
In partnership with the Australian Space Agency, the ELO2 consortium is the team behind Roo-ver's historic moonshot – demonstrating Australia’s advanced manufacturing and technical capabilities.
The consortium is made up of around 20 Australian organisations – from space start-ups and small businesses to major resources companies, universities, and other research partners.
“Roo-ver is an opportunity for Australia to embark on a national mission with international partners, and EPE Oceania is proud to lead this talented Australian team.
Australia has a long history supporting international space exploration efforts. The experience delivered through the Roo-ver project will help us grow our space industry create high-tech jobs, and translate technology to support productivity and competitiveness of our other industries including agriculture, mining, defence.”
~ ELO2 Consortium Director Ben Sorensen
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Roo-ver's mission is more than a space mission.
