On March 31st, 2023 Venturi Astrolab announced that it has agreed with SpaceX to lift Astrolab's Flexible Logistics and Exploration (FLEX) rover on a forthcoming mission to the Moon. The mission is due by mid 2026.

Astrolab's FLEX rover initiates a new type of planetary rover innovations which are capable of conducting scientific experiments, deploying technology demos and establishing infrastructure. Contrary to custom built rovers, FLEX rover provides a stepping stone for realising the prospect of colonising the Moon and establishing a permanent human presence there.

The rover has a combined mass (including cargo) of more than two tons. It is this increased capacity that allows for more multi-tasking capabilities. In the previous year, Astrolab's team implemented a series of tests on the California desert to mimic the lunar landscape. Tests included crewed and telerobotic operations, deployment of large payloads and carrying out science operations with its robotic arms.  

"Our Astrolab team has created much more than a rover for use on the Moon or Mars. We expect that this approach will help establish a permanent lunar outpost on the Moon at a lower cost and in less time than previously envisioned," said Jaret Matthews, Founder and CEO of Astrolab.

Image: Prototype of Astrolab's FLEX rover.Source: spaceimpulse.com