Venturi Space Unveils MONA LUNA: A European Rover for Moon Exploration

At the 2025 Paris Air Show, Venturi Space introduced MONA LUNA, an autonomous lunar rover created in France and Monaco to support Europe's space goals. The rover is set to explore the Moon's South Pole by 2030. Laurent Tricoche, Head of the Electronics and Software Division at Venturi Space, shared insights about this innovative project.

A Rover Tailored for Europe's Space Endeavors

MONA LUNA is specifically designed to meet the requirements of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES). Tricoche emphasized that the ultimate objective is to deploy the rover at the Moon's South Pole within the next decade.

The Moon's south pole is a region of significant scientific interest due to its perpetually shadowed craters that house water ice and other volatile compounds. MONA LUNA is engineered to withstand the extreme cold temperatures of these shadowed areas, with robust systems in place to ensure its survival.

Engineering for Harsh Lunar Conditions

The rover is built to endure temperatures as low as -250°C in lunar craters. It features a solar-powered system, three high-performance batteries, an intelligent heating system, and a 14-day hibernation mode to conserve energy during the lunar night.

MONA LUNA's hyper-deformable wheels, developed in Switzerland, enable it to reach speeds of up to 20 km/h on the lunar surface. These wheels are designed to navigate the low-gravity environment of the Moon without the need for traditional suspension systems.

Autonomy as a Technological Advantage

Autonomy is a key focus for Venturi Space, with MONA LUNA featuring semi- to fully autonomous navigation capabilities. The rover will also operate a robotic arm for handling scientific instruments and carry various sensors and drilling equipment.

Tricoche highlighted the significance of autonomous navigation in hostile environments as a major technological differentiator for MONA LUNA compared to other lunar rovers.

Scientific and Industrial Applications

While the primary mission of MONA LUNA is scientific exploration, Venturi Space is exploring commercial applications for the rover, including payload delivery, lunar base logistics, and resource extraction. The rover's first mission will involve deploying sensors, spectrometers, and drilling tools for studying the lunar regolith.

A Pathway to Mars

Although MONA LUNA is optimized for lunar missions, its technologies are adaptable for future Mars expeditions. The project aligns with Europe's goal of establishing a lasting presence on the Moon and showcasing leadership in space exploration.

If all goes according to plan, the MONA LUNA mission could launch as early as 2029, marking a significant milestone in Europe's space ambitions.