ispace-Europe’s Lunar Rover Ready for Integration into HAKUTO-R Mission 2

Insider Brief:

• ispace-Europe has completed the flight model of its European-designed lunar micro rover, TENACIOUS and is preparing for integration into the HAKUTO-R Mission 2 RESILIENCE lunar lander in Japan.
• TENACIOUS, funded through a contract with the Luxembourg Space Agency and the European Space Agency, stands as the first lunar rover designed, manufactured, and assembled in Luxembourg.
• The rover, measuring 26 cm in height, 31.5 cm in width, and 54 cm in length, weighs around 5 kg and features a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic frame designed to endure the stresses of rocket launches and space travel.
• Mission 2, ispace’s second lunar exploration mission, plans to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in Winter 2024.

ispace-Europe has announced it has completed the flight model of its European-designed lunar micro rover, TENACIOUS and is preparing for integration into the HAKUTO-R Mission 2 RESILIENCE lunar lander in Japan.

TENACIOUS, funded through a contract with the Luxembourg Space Agency and the European Space Agency, stands as the first lunar rover designed, manufactured, and assembled in Luxembourg. This project aligns with Luxembourg’s ambition to integrate its space sector with terrestrial industries and create new market opportunities.

The rover, measuring 26 cm in height, 31.5 cm in width, and 54 cm in length, weighs around 5 kg. It features a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic frame designed to endure the stresses of rocket launches and space travel. Equipped with an HD camera, TENACIOUS will capture images and send data back to mission control. Its specially designed wheels will help it navigate the lunar surface effectively.

Mission 2, ispace’s second lunar exploration mission, plans to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in Winter 2024. The RESILIENCE lander will transport commercial and scientific payloads, supporting NASA’s Artemis program. TENACIOUS will explore the lunar surface, collecting and photographing lunar regolith samples. This mission follows a selection by NASA in 2020 for ispace-Europe to acquire lunar regolith.

ispace operates globally, coordinating efforts from Japan, the U.S., and Luxembourg. Following Mission 2, ispace plans Mission 3 with the APEX 1.0 lunar lander, set for 2026, and Mission 6 featuring the Series 3 lander, expected in 2027.

Image credit: ispace