Astrobotic

Introducing the first step for harnessing mobile power on the Moon: Astrobotic's VOLT (VSAT Optimized for Lunar Traverse)! Within the VOLT name is VSAT, or Vertical Solar Array Technology. VOLT is essentially a specialized lunar rover equipped with a vertical solar array. It's designed to drive across the Moon, harness solar energy, and charge diverse equipment on the lunar surface.

The commercial space industry aims to push the boundaries of human potential and opening up new frontiers. From satellite launches to space tourism to autonomous lunar missions, this industry is revolutionizing how we explore, communicate, and understand our universe. At Astrobotic, we're proud of our team who work to inspire the next generation to keep reaching for the stars!

Thanks to DARPA Innovation Fellowship for their recent visit to Astrobotic HQ to support their search for innovation to probe existing paradigms, question technological barriers, and push the state of the art in science and technology.

Congratulations to our team in Mojave, CA on the inaugural customer flight using Astrobotic's Lunar Surface Proving Ground (LSPG), a high-fidelity 3D test field that mimics the topography and optical properties of the Moon’s surface. The size of two football fields, LSPG provides a unique simulated lunar surface test site for the 6-12 grade student winners of the TechRise Student Challenge, led by NASA Flight Opportunities and administered by Future Engineers Thirty student teams flew their experiments ranging from LiDAR terrain mapping and lunar crater detection using AI, to water detection using an infrared camera and thermal mapping using sensors. Congrats to these future space-industry professionals!

We've unveiled our Lunar Surface Proving Ground (LSPG) at our facility in Mojave, CA. The approximately 100mx100m high-fidelity 3D test field mimics the topography and optical properties of the Moon’s surface. The LSPG’s terrain is modeled after an actual map of the Moon’s South Pole, generated with Astrobotic's LunaRay simulation and terrain modeling tools. The LSPG test site will be used for a variety of test campaigns, from precise lunar landing technologies like LiDAR scanners and navigation algorithms to lunar rovers and other robotic systems. In addition to providing a realistic lunar topography for spacecraft and rover sensors and systems, this test field can simulate the extreme lighting conditions encountered at the lunar poles. https://buff.ly/3zsCJB2

A key component of the LunaGrid system (a power grid for the Moon) is our Vertical Solar Array Technology (VSAT), a 20 meter tall solar array atop a purpose-built rover the length of a car. This mobile energy capture allows LunaGrid to collect and deliver power where it's needed most.#lunagrid #vsat #PowerTheMoon

In development at Astrobotic: LunaGrid, a complete power generation and distribution service that survives the lunar night and delivers kilowatts of continuous power to lunar assets for multi-year operations. Launching as early as 2026 #lunagrid #lunarnight #PowerTheMoon

Partnerships make space possible! Thanks to Allegheny Observatory for supporting our Griffin Mission One Star Tracker testing. The star tracker helps the team verify where the vehicle is in space by scanning the stars. This testing ensures the system adequately measures stars under the expected vibration conditions during Griffin's powered descent to the Moon. #GM1 #startracker

The commercial space industry aims to push the boundaries of human potential and opening up new frontiers. From satellite launches to space tourism to autonomous lunar missions, this industry is revolutionizing how we explore, communicate, and understand our universe. At Astrobotic, we're proud of our team who work to inspire the next generation to keep reaching for the stars!

Exploring the Final Frontier Together: Why International Space Collaboration Matters In the vast expanse of space, collaboration knows no borders! International space agencies and private companies play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our space economy, and here's why: Innovation Accelerator: By pooling diverse expertise and resources from around the globe, international space collaboration drives innovation. From cutting-edge propulsion systems to groundbreaking research in astrobiology, collaboration sparks creativity like never before. Shared Goals, Shared Success: Space exploration isn't about planting flags—it's about pushing the boundaries of knowledge & discovery. International partnerships foster mutual goals, paving the way for monumental achievements like the International Space Station and beyond! Economic Boost: Let's talk space bucks! International collaboration doesn't just expand our cosmic horizons—it also fuels economic growth back home. From job creation to technological spin-offs, the space economy benefits us all. So, here's to the dreamers, the explorers, and the international pioneers propelling us towards the stars! Together, we'll continue to reach new heights and unlock the mysteries of the universe.