Astrolab

Our FLIP mission launching in the second half of this year (2026) will directly support the development of our Crewed Lunar Vehicle (CLV-1). The tires, batteries and wheel actuators developed for our FLIP and FLEX rovers by Astrolab’s strategic partner, Venturi Space will also be used by CLV-1. FLIP will test our hardware in the lunar environment, as well as validate our rover software and processes.

Yesterday we introduced CLV-1 (Crewed Lunar Vehicle). Let's explore the use-cases it was designed for and engineered to accomplish: -Consistent with NASA’s requirements, CLV-1 is designed primarily to transport astronauts and their supplies. -Conduct surface operations remotely. -CLV-1 shares hardware with our FLEX rover, using the same tires, batteries and wheel actuators developed by our strategic partner, Venturi Space.  -When stowed on a Commercial Lunar Payload Services lander for delivery to the Moon, CLV-1 measures approximately 2 meters by 2.3 meters by 2.2 meters. -Once deployed, CLV-1 will measure approximately 4 meters long by 2.3 meters wide by 2.6 meters high to the top of its antenna. -CLV-1 has a maximum mass of 950 kilograms and can reach speeds of 10 kilometers per hour on level ground. -CLV-1 is the first in Astrolab’s planned CLV line, with future vehicles expected to be designated CLV-2, CLV-3 and so on.

We are proud to be partnering with Axiom Space, Odyssey Space Research, LLC and Interlune to deliver CLV-1 and related services capable of supporting NASA crewed and robotic surface missions. Thanks also to strategic partner VENTURI Space who is providing important technology to CLV-1 like tires and batteries.

Introducing Astrolab’s Crewed Lunar Vehicle (CLV-1), chosen by NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration to transport crew across the lunar surface and support the construction of a permanent lunar base. Adapted from our FLEX rover architecture reflecting NASA’s revised approach to lunar surface mobility, CLV-1 is designed to support astronaut operations, science activities, and cargo logistics on the Moon.

NASA has selected Astrolab as one of two providers of a crewed lunar rover for the Artemis program, advancing the agency’s plans to establish sustained surface mobility at the lunar south pole. Read the full announcement: https://lnkd.in/gFfVvvSU

As our FLIP rover prepares for the final stages of pre-flight testing, we’re seeing our animations turn into space-ready hardware. Next step, doing it all on the Moon.

Now that FLIP has completed its first drive, what’s next for our FLIP rover before it heads to the Moon? Next up is final testing, including shock testing, vibration testing, and FLIP’s last thermal and vacuum chamber (TVAC) test. These tests ensure the fully assembled rover can survive launch and the harsh conditions of the lunar surface. Then FLIP heads to Cape Canaveral, FL! There it will be integrated onto the top of Astrobotic’s Griffin lander and prepped for launch. Exciting milestones in FLIP’s journey are coming very soon! #Astrolab #LunarRover #FLIPRover 

Artemis era rovers need to operate both with human assistance, as well as autonomously. LiDAR is one of the key tools that will make that possible. Hardened by NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in partnership with Fibertek, Inc., Astrolab will use a LiDAR perception system aboard our FLIP rover to test the technology on the Moon. The payload is adapted for the severe conditions on the Moon, and FLIP will use it to capture high-resolution 3D scenes of its surroundings for navigation, obstacle detection, and hazard avoidance. #NASA #LunarRover #Astrolab

One of our FLIP rover’s payloads connects all the way back to Apollo 11! One of four NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration payloads on board FLIP, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA) serves as a marker that works with orbiting satellites to establish a navigation aid for lunar exploration. This builds on the legacy of the larger Laser Ranging Retroreflectors (LRRR) of the Apollo era.  By shining a laser beam from one spacecraft toward FLIP’s LRA, the spacecraft can measure how long it takes for the light to reflect back, allowing scientists to determine the distance between it and FLIP. FLIP’s LRA is the first ever mounted on a lunar rover to reflect laser beams. Made of eight quartz corner-cube prisms set into a dome-shaped aluminum frame, FLIP’s array requires no power or maintenance.  After the rover completes its mission, the LRA will remain a permanent location marker on the Moon. It will be used for future exploration and lunar research, just as Apollo-era lunar retroreflectors are still used to this day. The images show the LRA currently on FLIP and the Apollo 11 Laser Ranging Retroreflector experiment on the Moon, (Credit: NASA) #NASA #Astrolab #Goddard #FLIPRover 

Got a good look at the Astrolab FLIP rover in the clean room today! FLIP is heading to the surface of the Moon later this year. Big thank you to Jaret Matthews and john muratore PE for the great tour. I was really impressed!