The ELO2 Consortium, co-led by EPE Oceania and Lunar Outpost Oceania, has been selected to deliver Australia’s first lunar rover as part of a $42 million project led by the Australian Space Agency.
The project will see the ELO2 Consortium design, construct, and operate the Australian-made rover, aptly named “Roo-ver,” on the lunar surface, as revealed in a news release.
“This is an extraordinary moment for our nation,” said a joint statement from EPE Oceania and Lunar Outpost Oceania.
“It is a privilege to contribute to this groundbreaking national mission and to showcase the world-class talent and capabilities of our Australian research and industry partners on the global stage.”
The ELO2 Consortium brings together universities, small-to-medium enterprises, and major industry players from across Australia, representing a unique collaboration that spans all states and territories.
Together, they aim to pioneer what they claim as the country’s first lunar mission, with the rover entirely designed, manufactured, and tested in Australia.
EPE Oceania, the grantee and a trusted partner of the Commonwealth for 25 years, brings expertise in extreme environment robotics and national security technologies to the mission.
Lunar Outpost Oceania, with a strong background in space robotics, will drive technical innovation and support the commercialisation of the technologies developed through the project.
The selection of ELO2 follows the success of a preliminary design process funded by a $4 million grant from the Australian Space Agency.
This phase saw the development and rigorous testing of four rover prototypes, showcasing the Consortium’s capabilities and readiness for the historic mission.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent Australia on the global stage and contribute to the international advancement of lunar exploration,” said the Consortium co-leads.
“It will create new jobs in the Australian space industry, internship and research opportunities, and culminate in an Australian rover being operated on the Moon from Australia.”
Work on the project will focus on developing cutting-edge technologies in advanced manufacturing, robotics, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and communications, among others.
These innovations will have applications beyond space exploration, enhancing Australia’s expertise in remote operations, mining, and resource management, with potential to expand into global markets.
NASA is finalising launch details with the Australian Space Agency, and work on the mission is set to begin immediately.
Once on the Moon, the Roo-ver will conduct a science mission to explore the lunar surface and contribute to NASA’s Artemis Program, which aims to establish a sustainable presence on the Moon.
For more information about the mission or employment opportunities, visit the ELO2 Consortium website or the Australian Space Agency website.
