The Monaco rover was sent to the Moon in 2026 with SpaceX

The Monaco is a candidate to be the vehicle for the next lunar mission.

Measuring three meters wide and up to six meters long when open, it can carry up to 1,600 kilograms of loads. The Rover Flex, a vehicle designed in Monaco, will be deployed in three years to the south pole of the Moon to carry out scientific and commercial missions.

Engineers have been working on the robot since 2019

This small, semi-autonomous, two-ton robotic vehicle will reach the moon before astronauts “to start setting up bases or conducting experiments,” explains Frank Baldet, technical director at Venturi Monaco. “We will be able to use its sensors and cameras to pre-program its movements, and then it will be autonomous to get from point A to point B,” adds Frank Baldet.

“The idea is that astronauts can be transported at 15 km/h, which is very fast.” Especially on rocky ground. Rover flex will also have to put up with constant radiation, lack of air and low light. Lots of technical challenges that engineering teams have been working on since 2019.

“Great technical achievement”

“Wheels are of paramount importance on the Moon,” explains Antonio Delfino, physicist, director and co-founder of the Venturi Laboratory. They must withstand very low temperatures ranging from -90 to -170 degrees.

This first lunar flight, which will take place in 2026 with Space X, will make it possible to improve the craft. The goal of the Monegasque manufacturer is also to win the call for tenders launched by NASA. “We will know in November if we have been selected to manufacture a dozen vehicles. In the meantime, we are working,” notes Gildo Pallanca Pastor, President of the Venturi Group.

The conquest of space was closely followed by Prince Albert II of Monaco. “It makes everyone dream. It’s really a great technical achievement, but I personally don’t know if I’ll go to the moon one day, it’s still a special environment.” Starting next week, the vehicle’s batteries will be tested under conditions similar to those on the lunar surface.