Astrolab Reveals New Lunar Rover with Working Prototype
California-based Astrolab has just unveiled the first prototype of its new lunar rover, which they hope to use for future NASA Artemis Moon missions.
Astrolab’s new Flexible Logistics and Exploration (FLEX) rover has been thoughtfully designed to address new needs that will be coming up in the future of Moon exploration. It is able to carry cargo and/or astronauts, carrying up to 1,500 kg of cargo above or below the main deck. It can be driven remotely or by two astronauts.
“We’re making FLEX to be the most versatile rover ever created, and the primary innovation is the fact that we have this modular payload capacity.” — Jaret Matthews, founder and chief executive of Astrolab.
The new FLEX rover has been created with long-term Moon habitation in mind. It will be able to carry payloads delivered with large amounts of cargo, such as crewed SpaceX Starships and robotic landers for NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program.
Not only has Astrolab designed the new FLEX rover, but they have also already built and tested a prototype near Death Valley, California. Former astronaut Chris Hadfield has had the opportunity to help test the new rover, stating his appreciation for the design's ability to be a functional necessity for future long-duration lunar exploration.
