NASA rover mission is 'exactly where Australia wants to be' to build space industry

Oct 16, 2021


Sky News Australia

An Australian-made rover is set to be launched to the Moon as part of a NASA space mission this decade after the federal government struck an agreement with the US space agency. The deal could see a semi-autonomous rover made by Australian businesses and researchers sent on a lunar mission as early as 2026. 

ANU astrophysicist and cosmologist Dr Brad Tucker says the partnership is an incredible achievement for Australia. “When we talk about moon rovers, that’s a really exclusive club, only five countries – four countries rather – have attempted rovers. Only three have gotten them to work,” he told Sky News Australia. 

“There’s actually only I think been seven rovers in total, this would be number eight, we would be the fourth country.” Dr Tucker said this is “exactly where you want to be” in terms of space production for Australia. he added if the nation succeeds in the project, it would put us in the same league as the United States, Russia, and China. Dr Tucker said it is “not just about the moon rover” but developing skills, capabilities, and investment in companies and researchers to help grow the space program