NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Sequential Phase II program selected Astrobotic’s CubeRover to develop, test, and fly lunar night survival as well as communication technologies. It will launch aboard commercial flight to the Moon on an upcoming Astrobotic lander mission, where it will showcase the platform’s ability to survive the extremely harsh environment of lunar night.
Surviving the lunar night will be a major challenge of CubeRover where temperatures can quickly drop to – 200°C. At this temperature, thermally sensitive components are normally disabled like batteries and electronics, thus ending a rover mission after just one lunar day. Astrobotic specializes in developing, integrating, and demonstrating lunar night thermal systems aboard lunar rovers and landers. This lunar night mission is also set to demonstrate CubeRover’s use of satellite communication relays. Who knows? A future version of CubeRover may end up meeting Lockheed Martin x GM’s lunar rover at some point.
- Detailed Lunar Replica - Features a detailed Eagle lunar lander replica with lunar surface, crater, footprints, and U.S. flag for a realistic space...
- Realistic Modular Model - This modular set includes a descent stage with gold-colored landing pads, panels, opening camera, laser hatches, and movable...
- Ascent Stage Interior - The ascent stage boasts a detailed interior with room for 2 astronaut minifigures, finished with an Apollo 11 Lunar Lander...
This mission has the potential to usher in a new era of robust lunar robotics where instruments and payloads can survive months to even years on the Moon’s surface. CubeRover will survive longer and drive farther than any lunar rover in its class with this flight, taking Astrobotic a major step forward in opening the Moon to sustained long-term robotic operations,” said Mike Provenzano, Astrobotic’s Director of Lunar Surface Systems.
