An Australian-made rover, intended to collect oxygen-rich lunar soil, is set to be launched to the Moon under NASA’s and the Australian Space Agency’s Moon to Mars mission expected to launch no earlier than 2026.
Part of an agreement between the Australian Federal Government and the US space agency, the announcement is welcome news for Western Australia’s space, technology and resource sector with our State well-positioned to lead the development and operation of the moon rover.
Perth-based Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth (AROSE), recipient of a $1.5 million investment from the WA Government, has already received $200,000 to develop a lunar rover concept as part of the Australian Government’s Moon to Mars Demonstrator Feasibility Grants program.
The State Government also invested $3.5 million to support the setup of the Australian Space Automation, AI and Robotics Control Complex (SPAARC), a word-class facility that trains, tests and controls remote and autonomous operations in space.
This announcement also follows the release of Binar-1, WA’s first locally manufactured spacecraft and another recipient of funding from the Western Australian Government, from the International Space Station (ISS) last week.
The WA Government’s significant space communication and space situational awareness activities strongly demonstrate that Western Australia is leading the country in growing the space sector, and is perfectly placed to take advantage of this recent announcement.
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Picture by @aeroture_au via Tourism WA
