Founded in Colorado in 2017, Lunar Outpost develops advanced robotics and technologies to create the infrastructure needed for sustainable space exploration. From designing lunar rovers to creating thermal control systems used on missions to the Moon and to Mars, the company is a leader in the space industry.
In 2021, Lunar Outpost began developing the Mobile Autonomous Prospecting Platform (MAPP) rover. The rover was designed to travel to the Moon as part of a mission funded by NASA. By 2023, development was complete, and in February 2025 the MAPP rover became the first commercial rover to land on another planet, and the first rover at the lunar South Pole.
The company was also selected by NASA as a collaborator on the Artemis campaign, leading the development of the Lunar Terrain Vehicle for Artemis astronauts.
Orbiting to Australia
In 2022, Lunar Outpost opened an Australian subsidiary, Lunar Outpost Oceania. Headquartered in Melbourne, the Australian branch is part of Lunar Outpost’s efforts to foster international collaboration in pursuit of a sustainable human presence in space.
‘Collaboration between our global teams and Australian partners has been important in advancing the systems we develop for space and for use here on Earth,’ says Gerard Pearce, Regional Director – Oceania, Lunar Outpost Oceania.
‘Australia’s strengths in remote operations, harsh-environment engineering and applied innovation add real depth to this work. This enables us to contribute something uniquely Australian to future lunar missions while also building capability that supports Earth-based industries.’
Lunar Outpost Oceania develops and delivers high-TRL technologies designed to perform reliably in demanding and high-risk settings. Alongside its applications in space exploration, Lunar Outpost Oceania technologies have broader benefits for Earth. These include in mining, defence and agriculture where autonomous systems and remote-operations capability improve safety and reliability in challenging environments.
The latest Roo-ver prototype, which will be the first Australian-made rover on the Moon’s surface.
Leading Australia’s first lunar rover
Lunar Outpost Oceania is heading up Australia’s first lunar rover program, as the technical lead and overall co-lead of the ELO2 consortium. The Consortium is made up of 21 organisations around Australia, including co-lead EPE Oceania.
In 2024 the Consortium was selected to design, construct and operate the first Australian-made rover on the Moon’s surface. Nicknamed ‘Roo-ver’, the semi-autonomous rover will travel to the Moon as part of NASA’s Artemis campaign around the end of this decade.
Roo-ver will provide new data about the surface of the Moon to support international space science and exploration goals. As one of the most advanced robotics projects in the country, Roo-ver will also strengthen Australia’s robotics and automation capability in line with the Australian Government’s National Robotics Strategy.
To enable the rover’s production, Lunar Outpost Oceania is expanding its operations and manufacturing facility in Melbourne. The organisation will hire 35 full-time employees and invest in the facility itself to advance the lunar mission. This investment will boost Australia’s space industry capabilities and foster local innovation.
How Austrade helped
Austrade supported Lunar Outpost to expand to Australia and continues to support the company’s expanding Australian operations. Austrade has:
- provided referrals to support the move to Australia, including legal advice, accounting, human resources and visa support
- provided information to inform Lunar Outpost’s business strategy development
- advised on compliance with Australia’s safety regulations and international obligations
- hosted company representatives to space and defence industry events.
With geographic advantages, government investment in space technologies, and international agreements allowing for secure collaborations between space partners, it’s an ideal environment for innovation.
Learn more about Australia’s space sector and opportunities for investors.
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