Marking Australia's leap into lunar exploration through innovation and collaboration
Melbourne, Australia – 17 December 2024 – Lunar Outpost Oceania, as technical lead of the ELO2 Consortium, is proud to announce that the team has been awarded the contract to deliver Australia's first lunar rover, "Roo-ver".
This historic achievement marks a defining moment in Australian space exploration and solidifies the nation's place on the global stage as it prepares to send its first rover to the Moon.
The Australian Government is funding the development of Roo-ver through the Australian Space Agency, with the lunar rover to be taken to the Moon by NASA later this decade.
Since its establishment in 2023, Lunar Outpost Oceania has played a pivotal role in advancing Australia's space robotics capabilities. The team's milestones include:
- Developing and testing four rover prototypes in under 15 months, showcasing unparalleled technical leadership.
- Successfully demonstrating remote operations by controlling a Consortium prototype rover in Adelaide from Colorado, USA replicating the communications delay between the Moon and Earth.
- Creating over 19 advanced industry jobs in Victoria and providing career pathways for students, graduates, and mid-career professionals. The team is expected to over double in size with the new award.
- Achieving Australian Made certification for the team's rovers, highlighting the nation's ability to deliver cutting-edge space technologies.
- Winning Startup of the Year at the Australian Space Awards 2024, reflecting the team's significant contributions to Australia's space sector.
"Australia's inaugural lunar rover reflects the nation's growing leadership and influence in the global space industry.
This mission is unlocking access to international markets, creating high-quality jobs, and driving advanced technologies that deliver exponential economic impact." said Justin Cyrus, CEO of Lunar Outpost.
"As a key player in this mission, we're proud to help establish Australia at the forefront of space exploration while advancing our mission to bring the infinite value of space to benefit humanity on Earth and beyond."
"We are honoured to have the opportunity to build and operate Australia's first lunar rover," said Joseph Kenrick, Program Manager of Lunar Outpost Oceania.
"This achievement reflects the dedication of our team and the collaborative strength of the ELO2 Consortium. It's an incredible privilege to contribute to this momentous step for Australia and its space industry."
The ELO2 Consortium exemplifies the best of Australian collaboration, bringing together leading industry partners and research institutions to deliver technologies and workforce capability that will shape the future of space exploration.
By creating local jobs, fostering international partnerships, and inspiring the next generation of space pioneers, the team is building a robust foundation for Australia's lunar exploration efforts.
Australia is taking its place at the forefront of global space exploration, and Lunar Outpost Oceania is leading the charge alongside our partners in the ELO2 Consortium.
With this Roo-ver mission, Australia is not just sending its first rover to the Moon — it is defining its role as a leader in the international space community.
