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An early impression of how Roo-ver might look<\/p>\n
Australian Space Agency<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n
It hasn\u2019t been built yet, and it won\u2019t be hopping like its namesake, the kangaroo, but Australia\u2019s first moon rover has officially been named: Roo-ver.<\/p>\n
Over 8000 suggestions were submitted in a nationwide competition and 20,000 people voted from a shortlist of four candidates: Coolamon, Kakirra and Mateship.<\/p>\n
According to the Australian Space Agency (ASA), two local consortiums \u2013 AROSE and ELO2 \u2013 are currently working on early-stage concepts for the lunar rover, which will be operated remotely from Australia.<\/p>\n
Only one will be selected for a mission to the moon later this decade as part of NASA\u2019s Artemis programme. The rover is expected to weigh approximately 20 kilograms and be the size of a check-in suitcase.<\/p>\n
It is most likely to land near the moon\u2019s south pole and will be designed to collect lunar samples that NASA will use for oxygen extraction experiments. Oxygen is critical for both rocket fuel and to help sustain a future permanent base on the surface.<\/p>\n
The ASA says Roo-ver is expected to operate for 14 Earth days \u2013 about half a moon day. Part of the reason NASA has chosen to work with Australia on this project is because of the country\u2019s experience with remote and autonomous operations, garnered from working in harsh environments in the mining industry.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n \u201cThe Australian Government is working to strengthen Australia\u2019s robotics capability, and this mission is one of the most advanced robotics projects happening in our country right now,\u201d said Enrico Palermo, head of the ASA, in a press release.<\/p>\n Siwa Heberlah from New South Wales, who nominated the new name, said she wanted something \u201ciconically Australian\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cA kangaroo is part of the Australian coat of arms and it\u2019s time for Australian science to take the next leap all the way up into space,\u201d she said in a press release.<\/p>\n Topics:<\/p>\n<\/section><\/div>\n