Local space consortium gets $4m grant

AROSE, a consortium led by geosciences firm Fugro and engineering services outfit Nova Systems, has been named one of two companies that will design an Australia-made lunar rover for NASA’s next trip to the Moon.

Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic announced this morning that AROSE will receive $4 million to design prototypes of a semi-autonomous rover to be used for NASA’s Trailblazer program.

Another consortium, led by EPE and Lunar Outpost Oceania, will also take part in the program.

If successful, the program will aid in extracting oxygen from the Moon’s surface, possibly allowing humans to one day visit Mars.

The lunar rover is expected to be launched in 2026.

Mr Husic said the program would help grow Australia’s space sector as well as Australia’s existing expertise in robotics and automation.

AROSE chief executive Leanne Cunnold said Trailblazer could inspire future space scientists, engineers and tech specialists.

“They will see Australian smarts, expertise and technologies in action on the Moon, demonstrating Australia’s emerging role in space,” she said.

AROSE is chaired by former Atlas Iron managing director David Flanagan and has received support from Woodside Energy, Rio Tinto and the state government.