Alexander Lewis 
Dec 06, 2023
Hailing from the land down under, the Australian Space Agency, established in 2018, is gearing up to make history. Despite being among the youngest players in space exploration globally, Australia's space agency is about to take a giant leap forward by sending its inaugural lunar rover to the moon, a venture it has yet to undertake.
Today marks a pivotal moment as the Australian Space Agency unveils the name chosen for its groundbreaking lunar rover: Roo-ver. Following an extensive public submission and voting process, "Roo-ver" emerged victorious with a resounding 36% of the total votes, triumphing over contenders like Coolamon, Kakirra, and Mateship.
The title was proposed by Siwa from New South Wales, who passionately advocated for a name embodying Australian pride and heritage.
"Our lunar rover deserves an iconic Australian title, showcasing our Aussie spirit as we take a leap into this new frontier," Siwa expressed on the Agency's platform. "The kangaroo is emblematic on our Coat of Arms, and it's time for Australian science to hop its way into outer space."
What you need to know about Roo-ver
Weighing in at around 20 kilograms (about 44 lbs.) and resembling the size of a travel suitcase, Roo-ver will operate semi-autonomously, executing automated tasks while responding to direct commands from mission control.
Read more: How is NASA’s Mars helicopter flying after nine-month hiatus?
Scheduled for deployment during NASA's Artemis missions in 2026, Roo-ver is destined for the moon's south pole, aiming to spend roughly two Earth weeks (equivalent to half a lunar day) collecting regolith samples for analysis. This mission intends to validate theories suggesting the presence of oxygen particles in the regolith, a breakthrough that could revolutionise space travel by providing essential resources for astronauts and rocket fuel production.
Australia's foray into this pivotal phase of space research aligns with aspirations to propel the country's budding space industry. The Agency emphasises the collaborative nature of this venture, aiming to harness expertise across diverse sectors, from manufacturing and mining to healthcare and cutting-edge technologies like AI and robotics.
As Australia's Roo-ver prepares to take its historic leap to the moon, the nation anticipates that this groundbreaking mission will not only elevate its space industry but also catalyse the development of innovative technologies for a brighter cosmic future.
