Astrobotic will deliver a lunar rover built by Venturi Astrolab to the south-polar region of the moon by the end of this year. The FLEX Lunar Innovation Platform (FLIP) rover will be the primary payload on Astrobotic’s Griffin-1 lander, set to touch down in the Nobile region near the moon’s south pole.
Have you heard?! @Astrolab_Space's FLIP rover is joining Griffin Mission One 🎉 #Griffin1 will deliver FLIP to the Nobile Region of the lunar south pole to demonstrate the rover's core components and subsystems. 🚀🌕Learn more: https://t.co/trdyBWS1G9 pic.twitter.com/oUcAhd5M1A
— Astrobotic (@astrobotic) February 5, 2025
Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic had been searching for payloads for Griffin-1 after NASA redirected the VIPER mission. The company received interest from more than 60 organizations worldwide.
Breaking news! Our Griffin lander will deliver @Astrolab_Space's FLIP rover to the Nobile Region of the lunar south pole as part of Griffin Mission One. Welcome to the mission, FLIP! 🚀🌕Learn more: https://t.co/ZdNEXgNn9Q pic.twitter.com/ZYfwaOwbPw
— Astrobotic (@astrobotic) February 5, 2025
“We cast a wide net when NASA told us that VIPER was going to be canceled,” said John Thornton, CEO of Astrobotic. We looked deeply at all potential payloads and selected those that could be ready first with technology closely aligned with VIPER’s interface.
Astrolab, based in Hawthorne, California, was chosen as the primary payload provider.
“The best way of shutting up critics is by creating success" @Dr_ThomasZ tells me about @astrobotic 's chance at redemption — https://t.co/BOsFzv48eO
— Evan Robinson-Johnson (@sightsonwheels) February 5, 2025
The FLIP rover is a technology demonstrator for its larger FLEX (Flexible Logistics and Exploration) rover. Similar in size and mass to VIPER, Astrolab sought to launch FLIP by the end of 2025. Both companies are now working to get their vehicles ready for a launch targeted at the end of this year.
Thornton indicated that Astrobotic was addressing issues with the lander’s propulsion system and other components, which are on schedule.
Astrolab joins Griffin-1 for lunar mission
Matthews confirmed that Astrolab is progressing with preparations for FLIP.
“We’re on a mission to get it delivered to the Cape by October to be integrated into Griffin.”
The companies noted that FLIP needed a few changes to replace VIPER on Griffin-1. FLIP, weighing 500 kilograms, can carry 30 kilograms of payloads. Astrolab continues to receive inquiries about payload accommodations, with several already planned to study issues like dust mitigation.
Griffin-1’s manifest also includes CubeRover, a small rover from Astrobotic, and payloads from ESA, NASA, and an undisclosed customer. The partnership received an endorsement from Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.).
“Losing VIPER could’ve been a setback, but Astrobotic didn’t let up. They rolled up their sleeves, found a new way forward, and made sure this mission stays on track,” he said. “With Astrolab’s FLIP rover onboard, we’re showing the world that when challenges come our way, we double down.”
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