Australia is set to manufacture its first lunar rover, “Roo-ver,” developed by Lunar Outpost Oceania as part of the ELO2 Consortium’s efforts to advance the nation’s space exploration capabilities.
According to Australian Made, the ELO2 Consortium was selected by the Australian government to design, build, and operate a lunar rover on the Moon later this decade.
The consortium, co-led by EPE Oceania and Australian Made licensee Lunar Outpost Oceania, consists of 21 key collaborators, including 10 universities, educational foundations, and industry partners from across the country.
“ELO2 is empowering Australia’s brightest minds to design, deliver, and operate this high-assurance lunar robotics mission,” said Kathie van Vugt, operations director of Lunar Outpost Oceania.
Once deployed, Roo-ver will be remotely operated from Earth to conduct research on lunar regolith, the surface material of the Moon.
This research, Australian Made stated, is crucial for the long-term sustainability of human exploration, as the regolith may contain oxygen and other volatiles like water ice, which could be vital for future missions.
The project has undergone 15 months of development, including the creation of four rover prototypes.
Roo-ver’s name was chosen through a public competition that attracted over 8,000 entries, reflecting strong national interest in the mission.
“The ELO2 prototypes are proudly built in Australia. We’re not only ensuring the sustainability of the industry but also growing local jobs, building Australia’s economy, and helping Australia make its mark in the global space ecosystem,” van Vugt said.
Australian Made reported that the next phase of the project will involve selecting Australian manufacturing partners to contribute to Roo-ver’s production.
Various advanced manufacturing techniques, including additive and traditional subtractive methods, will be employed, with several candidates already identified.
“This is a national mission for Australia, and we’ve put together a team made of the best and most exciting people and organisations from across the country,” said Ben Sorensen, ELO2 Consortium Director from co-lead EPE Oceania.
“Leveraging this expertise and these resources from all our partners is what will see us deliver a successful mission.”
Australian Made highlighted that the technologies developed for Roo-ver could have applications beyond space exploration, benefiting industries such as mining, agriculture, and advanced manufacturing.
Sorensen noted that advancements made through the mission would contribute to Australia’s technological growth and global competitiveness.
“To us, the Australian Made logo is not just a symbol of celebrating products; it’s about recognising the skill and dedication that go into producing them,” van Vugt said.
“Supporting Australian-made products—even space robots that we can send to the Moon—ensures that we maintain control over quality, invest in our communities, and secure a robust future for Australian industries and the Australian supply chain.”
Australian Made emphasised that the ELO2 Consortium views Roo-ver as more than a rover; it represents a step forward in strengthening Australia’s space sector, generating employment, attracting investment, and fostering collaboration within the industry.
“We have many aims with this project, from fostering innovation and supporting Australian jobs to building the local space industry and cultivating a collaborative supply chain ecosystem in Australia,” van Vugt said.
Learn more about the Roo-ver Mission at elo2.au
