FLEX
Also known as Flexible Logistics and Exploration rover
Large commercial lunar rover prototype that can carry cargo or two standing astronauts, demonstrated in field trials in the California desert.
| Maker | Venturi Astrolab |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Status | Prototype |
| Payload | 1500 kg |
| Actuation | Four wheel drive and steering with a payload lifting frame |
| Power | Battery electric with solar recharging |
| Sensors | Driving cameras and lidar |
| Autonomy | Teleoperation with autonomous point to point driving |
Astrolab built a full scale FLEX prototype and drove it in Death Valley with former astronaut Chris Hadfield aboard, testing cargo handling and crew driving positions. The design lifts and carries modular payload pallets of up to 1,500 kilograms, runs on batteries with solar recharging, and is aimed at both uncrewed logistics and Artemis era crew mobility. Astrolab holds a contract for a lunar flight on a SpaceX Starship and is among the companies studying NASA's lunar terrain vehicle.
Of note
- Full scale prototype driven with an astronaut aboard in Death Valley
- Designed to carry up to 1,500 kg of modular payload
Maker: www.astrolab.space