Australia is developing a lunar exploration vehicle, capable of launching within the next five years.
According to the agreement, Australian businesses and researchers will assist in developing the vehicle that will be used for future lunar exploration missions. The semi-autonomous lunar explorer will be tasked with collecting soil samples from the Moon, which are believed to contain oxygen as previously observed by NASA, for research purposes. Scientists indicate that searching for a source of oxygen on the Moon is crucial for establishing a long-term human presence and supporting future Mars exploration missions.
Australia is developing a lunar exploration vehicle. (Image source: ABC).
Enrico Palermo, Director of the Australian Space Agency, remarked that Australia’s space exploration mission will showcase the country’s “excellent” skills in remote operations, drawing on its existing expertise in the mining sector. According to Mr. Palermo, Australia possesses the most advanced robotic technologies and control systems for remote operations. This will serve as a focal foundation for establishing a long-term human presence on the Moon and subsequently advancing toward the goal of Mars exploration. In addition to contributing to science, participation in the lunar mission will help Australia develop its space technology sector, create resources, and increase job opportunities in the future.
Under the agreement, NASA may launch the lunar explorer as early as 2026, provided the manufacturing process meets a series of conditions during development.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson stated that the agreement between the two space agencies is built on the foundation of over half a century of collaboration between the United States and Australia in the field of space exploration. The lunar explorer is part of the Artemis program, NASA’s effort to send humans to the Moon and establish a base on its surface for further exploration of new space frontiers.
Previously, the Australian Government announced a funding allocation of AUD 50 million (USD 35 million) for the initiative from the Moon to Mars, aimed at facilitating the launch of the explorer to these two planets. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison indicated that the initiative presents an opportunity for Australia to succeed in the global space technology arena.
Canberra aims to triple the size of its domestic space technology sector by 2030, with expectations that this industry will contribute AUD 12 billion to the economy and create approximately 20,000 high-skilled jobs. Science Minister Melissa Price believes that the agreement with NASA will usher in a new era for Australia’s space technology sector.
