One Giant Leap Australia is proud to announce its continued involvement in the Roo-ver Mission, a groundbreaking Australian space initiative to build and operate Australia’s first lunar rover.
One Giant Leap Australia is part of the ELO2 Consortium that is delivering Roo-ver, in partnership with the Australian Space Agency.
As part of the mission, One Giant Leap Australia will run dynamic outreach programs designed to inspire and engage students. The collaboration will give young Australians the opportunity to learn more about the mission, connect with experts at the forefront of cutting-edge space technology, and explore the possibilities of careers in the fast-growing Australian space industry.
“This mission is a source of immense pride for Australia,” said Jenna McCarthy, Education Outreach Manager for One Giant Leap Australia. “By working with VSSEC, we aim to spark curiosity and inspire students across the country to dream big and see themselves as the future scientists, engineers, and innovators who will shape Australia’s role in space.”
The Roo-ver Mission not only represents a significant milestone for Australia’s space capability, but also serves as a powerful platform to encourage students to discover more about STEM pathways and the limitless opportunities offered by the Australian space sector.
“Over the next few years, One Giant Leap Australia will be using the Roo-ver Mission to supercharge the interest that so many young people have in space,” said Roo-ver Mission and ELO2 Director, Ben Sorensen. “The team’s expertise and enthusiasm for space education will promote pathways into STEM study and careers for Australian students, and we can’t wait to see their program roll out.”
The Australian Government is investing $42 million into the design, build and operation of Roo-ver – the nation’s first lunar rover.
With the Mission developing Australia’s capacity and capabilities in the space sector and adjacent industries, the semi-autonomous rover will investigate lunar soil and demonstrate key capabilities that could contribute to establishing a sustainable human presence on the lunar surface.
The ELO2 consortium is made up of 21 organisations – from Australian space start-ups and small businesses to major resources companies, universities, and other research partners.
Robotics and automation have the potential to generate enormous social, economic and environmental benefits for Australia, with automation predicted to add $170 to $600 billion per year to the Australian economy.
