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A consortium led by Brisbane defence force contractor EPE and Melbourne-based space-robotics developer Lunar Outpost has been chosen to deliver Australia’s first lunar rover which could be exploring the Moon’s surface before the end of the decade.
The $42 million project, funded by the Australian Space Agency, is being undertaken by the ELO2 Consortium as it draws on specialist capabilities from across the country to design, build and operate the lunar vehicle, known as the “Roo-ver”, ahead of the lunar mission being planned by NASA.
EPE Oceania, a company that is backed and led by former military personnel, is leveraging a 25-year history of engagement with federal bodies covering defence, national security and extreme environment robotics technology.
Lunar Outpost Oceania, an accomplished startup founded in 2023, is the technical partner that brings to the table its expertise in cutting-edge space robotics and exploration.
Along with contributions from universities, SMEs and industry majors, the consortium plans to also harness expertise across Australia for the mission to create a lunar rover that is fully designed, manufactured and tested in Australia.
“Australia’s inaugural lunar rover reflects the nation’s growing leadership and influence in the global space industry,” says Justin Cyrus, CEO of Lunar Outpost.
“This mission is unlocking access to international markets, creating high quality jobs, and driving advanced technologies that deliver exponential economic impact.
“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.”
Despite its status as a startup, Lunar Outpost has played a key role in advancing Australia’s space robotics capabilities by developing and testing four rover prototypes in under 15 months. The prototypes were developed with the aid of $4 million funding from the Australian Space Agency.
Lunar Outpost, winner of the startup category in the 2024 Australian Space Awards, has also demonstrated its remote operations capabilities by controlling a prototype rover in Adelaide from Colorado in the US – a mission that replicated the communications delay between the Moon and Earth.
“We are honoured to have the opportunity to build and operate Australia’s first lunar rover,” says 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.”
Work on the lunar rover mission will begin immediately, with NASA currently finalising launch details for its mission with the Australian Space Agency.
Once on the Moon, the rover will undertake a science mission to understand the lunar surface and support Australia’s contribution to the Artemis Program - a lunar mission led by NASA.
Key technologies under development for the mission include advanced manufacturing, novel materials, extreme environment robotics, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, advanced sensors, power systems, communications, human-machine interface for remote operations and thermal management.
The consortium says terrestrial application of these critical space technologies will build on Australia’s existing strengths in remote operations and resources, developing critical capabilities in Australia that can be exported to international markets.
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