Astrobotic CubeRover — Specs & Review
Specifications
| Brand | Astrobotic |
|---|---|
| Model | CubeRover |
| Year | 2023 |
| Category | Space |
| Autonomy | semi-autonomous |
| Environment | outdoor |
| Dimensions | 195cm L × 145cm W × 190cm H |
| Connectivity | Remote Control |
| Country of origin | US |
Key features
- ~2 kg small lunar rover
- Solar power system
- CubeSat-inspired standardisation
- NASA CLPS programme
- Carnegie Mellon heritage
- Commercial lunar payload delivery
- Standardised modular platform
What is it?
Astrobotic CubeRover is a standardised small commercial lunar rover platform for deploying miniaturised science and technology demonstration payloads on the lunar surface.
Who is it for?
- NASA and space agency scientists wanting low-cost lunar surface access
- Commercial companies testing technology in the lunar environment
- University research teams with lunar science payloads
- Space technology developers using the lunar surface as a testing ground
Key specs
- Weight: ~2 kg
- Power: solar panels
- Delivery: Astrobotic Peregrine or Griffin landers
- Programme: NASA CLPS
- Heritage: Carnegie Mellon University
- Philosophy: CubeSat-inspired standardisation
How it compares
Vs Perseverance: CubeRover targets the Moon at ~2 kg; Perseverance targets Mars at 1,025 kg. CubeRover prioritises accessibility and cost reduction; Perseverance prioritises scientific capability. Both represent the current generation of commercial and government space robotics.
Limitations
- 2 kg mass severely limits payload and science instrument capability
- Lunar night (14 Earth days of darkness) limits solar-powered operation duration
- Delivered by lander — dependent on successful lander mission
- Lunar surface is highly abrasive and thermally extreme
FAQ
How much does the Astrobotic CubeRover cost?
Astrobotic CubeRover is priced on a commercial payload delivery basis. Astrobotic does not publicly list individual unit pricing.
What is the Astrobotic CubeRover?
The Astrobotic CubeRover is a small commercial lunar rover platform developed by Astrobotic and Carnegie Mellon University for NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) programme.
What are the key specs of the CubeRover?
The CubeRover weighs approximately 2 kg, uses solar power, is designed to be delivered to the lunar surface by Astrobotic's Peregrine or Griffin landers, and carries miniaturised science payloads.
Who is the CubeRover for?
CubeRover is designed for NASA, space agencies, and commercial customers wanting a low-cost standard platform for deploying small science or technology demonstration payloads on the lunar surface.
What is the CubeSat-inspired approach of CubeRover?
CubeRover follows the CubeSat standard philosophy — providing a standardised, affordable, modular platform for lunar surface operations, reducing the cost and complexity of lunar payload deployment.