Its unveiling comes eight months after the ELO2 consortium presented its rival prototype, with the group having subsequently unveiled a second iteration of its design.
The pair were both granted $4 million last year to provide a rover to NASA to support its Moon to Mars Mission.
AROSE revealed few details of the mechanics of the device but said it would weigh 20 kilograms and measure the size of a large suitcase. It will now be displayed at Canberra Airport.
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“The unveiling of the AROSE lunar rover at Parliament House, now proudly displayed at Canberra Airport, marks a pivotal moment in Australia’s journey towards sovereign space capability,” AROSE chairperson Deena Shiff said.
“AROSE has always been committed to advancing Australian expertise, and this rover is a clear demonstration of our nation’s potential to lead in space exploration. We’re not just building a rover, we’re building a legacy of Australian ingenuity.”
It’s hoped the winning design will collect lunar regolith, or moon soil, that will eventually be turned into oxygen to support a permanent human base.
Regolith can both become oxygen that humans could breathe or aid the production of rocket fuel necessary to support the launch of a rocket from the moon to Mars and beyond.
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NASA has tasked Australia with creating a design that can prove the concept on the moon and pave the way for future missions.
AROSE CEO Leanne Cunnold said, “I’m particularly proud of our female leadership team and our key Trailblazer partners Fugro SpAARC and Nova Systems, who’ve helped to bring this inspiring project to fruition.
“Importantly, we’re also inspiring the next generation of Australians to take up STEM subjects at school and university and developing our national space sector workforce.”
The news comes months after AROSE appointed a former senior Telstra executive as its new chair.
Shiff replaced mining boss David Flanagan, who was reportedly “ousted” as chair of Delta Lithium before taking up a new role as managing director of Arrow Minerals.
AROSE said Flanagan would continue with the group in an “advisory capacity” after serving in the top job for four years.
“During Mr Flanagan’s tenure as AROSE chair, the consortium grew significantly with new members and collaboration partners,” the consortium said.
“In 2023, AROSE was awarded Stage 1 of the Trailblazer program, which will see Australia design, build, test, and operate an Australian-made lunar rover for NASA’s return to the moon’s surface.”
Adam Thorn
Adam is a journalist who has worked for more than 40 prestigious media brands in the UK and Australia. Since 2005, his varied career has included stints as a reporter, copy editor, feature writer and editor for publications as diverse as Fleet Street newspaper The Sunday Times, fashion bible Jones, media and marketing website Mumbrella as well as lifestyle magazines such as GQ, Woman’s Weekly, Men’s Health and Loaded. He joined Momentum Media in early 2020 and currently writes for Australian Aviation and World of Aviation.
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