The rover is adaptable, and can be changed to carry a variety of payloads, such as this solar tower. Photo by Astrolab The proof-of-concept FLEX Rover is shown being rigorously tested in the Californian desert, USA. This rover has room for two pilots, and has the ability to pick up and deposit modular payloads in support of human operations, such as the transportation of mined materials or the carrying of large loads on the unforgiving lunar surface. Venturi Astrolab - FLEX Astrolab is developing the multi-functional Flexible Logistics & Exploration (FLEX) rover in conjunction with electric vehicle maker Venturi. There are many companies vying to get hold of a contract to get their design up on the Moon.Take a look at some of the best ones in our gallery. It also needs to be energy efficient, as energy sources for operating vehicles in space are limited.

In response to this demand, many companies are producing designs for lunar rovers for potential future launches, including NASA's Artemis program, as well as many other commercial launches.Ī lunar rover must have the ability to travel across the Moon’s rocky and dusty surface while avoiding huge boulders and undulating terrain. This is especially important if we are aiming to have a sustainable presence on the Moon in order to harness lunar resources, or to use it as a springboard for more ambitious space exploration. With many countries aiming to send a crewed mission back to the Moon after 50 years away, there’s a pressing need for research vehicles to travel the lunar surface. One giant joyride for humankind: The new breed of lunar rovers

Lunar rover