Venturi Space has revealed its most ambitious project yet: Mona Luna, a lunar vehicle designed exclusively for the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Centre national d’études spatiales (CNES). This marks a significant milestone in the company's space endeavors.
Unlike the American Flex and Flip projects, which were developed in collaboration with Venturi Astrolab, Mona Luna showcases European technological independence. The rover will be transported by the Ariane 6.4 rocket and deployed on the lunar surface using the European Argonaut lander, establishing a fully continental logistics chain.
Venturi Space France Leading the Way
The project is spearheaded by Venturi Space France, based in Toulouse. The team will oversee all intricate operations, from on-board electronics and avionics to ground connections, power management systems, assembly, and space flight acceptance tests. The ultimate goal is to have Mona Luna operational at the Moon's South Pole by 2030, aligning perfectly with Europe's space exploration ambitions.
Gildo Pastor, CEO of Venturi and Venturi Space, emphasized the company's commitment to excellence in space research, stating, "We are bringing our expertise to space research, where excellence is simply the norm."
This lunar vehicle stands out for its state-of-the-art equipment, including a sophisticated robotic arm capable of handling scientific instruments and various payloads. Its advanced capabilities will enable the execution of complex experiments and the optimization of lunar resource utilization.
Europe's Advancement in Space
With Mona Luna, Venturi Space is turning Europe's vision of independent lunar exploration into reality, enhancing the space ecosystem that the company has been cultivating since 2021 in collaboration with American partners.
This announcement builds upon Venturi Space's past achievements, such as the Flex rover's pre-selection by NASA and Prince Albert II's recent visit to the company's facilities, reaffirming the Prince's support for this significant space endeavor.
Source: Monaco Tribune
Source: Monaco Tribune