ABOUT ROO-VER

A small robotic vehicle with pink-illuminated wheels and a boxy body, featuring an Australian flag sticker, set against a vibrant background with purple and pink abstract patterns.

Meet ROO-VER

ROO-VER is the name of Australia’s history making rover. ROO-VER is likely to land in the South Pole region of the Moon and is expected to operate for 14 Earth days. That’s only about half of one Moon day.

ROO-VER is part of a bold national effort to explore space, build sovereign capability and inspire the next generation, all from right here in Australia. It is being built by the ELO2 Consortium, which is co-led by EPE Oceania and Lunar Outpost Oceania.

A robotic lunar rover with treads, solar panels, and various sensors navigating a sandy, rocky terrain.

Why ROO-VER?

The Australian public chose the name, after a competition that saw more than 8000 entries.

A robotic vehicle with an electronic box and four large wheels inside an aircraft or spaceship.

How big is
ROO-VER?

ROO-VER weighs 20kg
and is about the size
of a suitcase.

A lunar rover with a boxy body covered in solar panels, large white treads for movement, and antennas on top, traveling across the moon's surface.

What’s special about the South Pole?

The lunar South Pole, which ROO-VER will explore, has some of the oldest and most stable geology in the solar system, and little has been explored.

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Mission so far…

2023 | Work begins

The ELO₂ Consortium is chosen by the Australian Space Agency as one of two consortia to develop prototype lunar rovers.

A robotic device with tracked wheels and solar panels on top, lying on dirt next to a lounging kangaroo. A large bird, possibly an emu, stands in the background in a park or natural setting with green trees.

2023 | ROO-VER named

After more than 8000 entries were received from the Australian public, ‘ROO-VER’ is chosen as the name for Australia’s lunar rover.

Close-up of a robotic lunar rover on the moon's surface with a large, box-shaped body, multiple wheels, and instruments for exploration.

2024 | First models unveiled

ELO₂ unveils its first lunar rover prototype, focussed on testing chassis and suspension systems.

2024 | Australian Made Certified

Our ROO-VER model is officially certified as Australian Made.

Group of people posing outdoors at sunset with robots and banners in the background.

2024 | ELO₂ - the rover builders

ELO₂ is selected by the Australian Space Agency to deliver Australia’s first lunar rover under the Stage 2 Trailblazer Program.

A robot with pink-lit wheels and antennas in front of a colorful digital background.

2025 | International Astronautical Congress, Sydney

Time to showcase the ROO-VER Mission on the international stage at the world’s largest space event!

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A young woman sitting on the floor, writing in a notebook, next to a robotic vehicle with large wheels, in an indoor space with large windows and blue walls.

Two women working together at a computer workstation, with one woman pointing at a 3D model on a large monitor and the other woman using a mouse and keyboard, in an office setting.

How we test for the Moon?

Before Roo-ver can begin its mission, it must first withstand the intense vibration of launch. On the Moon, it will encounter challenging terrain in one-sixth of Earth's gravity and face extreme temperature shifts, moving from intense heat in direct sunlight to sudden cold in shadow.

To prepare for these conditions, we’re conducting testing across Australia, drawing on the expertise of our consortium partners to prototype, develop and evaluate Roo-ver’s capabilities under a range of demanding scenarios. This includes mobility trials over varied terrain, refinement of autonomous systems, and assessment of how each component responds to thermal, mechanical and environmental stress. All to ensure Australia’s rover is ready to roll on the Moon.

MEET OUR PARTNERS