Cuberover® Overview
Companies, governments, universities, non-profits, and individuals can send payloads to the Moon on a CubeRover for $4.5M per kilogram of payload. For every kilogram, we also provide 0.5 W of continuous power and 10 kbps of bandwidth. Additional power and bandwidth are available for purchase upon request. This price covers end-to-end delivery service, including but not limited to payload integration, launch, and surface operations. A CubeRover engineering unit is also provided to aid in mission planning and testing.
Payload Accommodation
CubeRovers are available in three standard sizes: 2U, 4U, and 6U. Akin to CubeSats, each CubeRover unit, or “U,” can support a 10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm payload that weighs 1 kg. Increasing payload demands can be supported by modifying the flexible design or increasing the unit size. Dimensions of the payload volume for each unit are as follows:
2U: 20 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm
4U: 20 cm x 20 cm x 10 cm
6U: 30 cm x 20 cm x 10 cm
Subsystems
CubeRovers contain all the subsystems necessary to provide payloads with mobility, power, communications, and protection from the lunar thermal environment. They utilize high TRL components and are currently undergoing full system flight qualification through a NASA Tipping Point contract. A separate Tipping Point contract will equip CubeRover with wireless charging capability to endure the lunar night.
Mobility
CubeRover has undergone extensive mobility testing in lunar regolith simulants and rocky outdoor terrain. Each wheel is driven by an independent, flight-qualified actuator and incorporates special dust covers and seals that are being rigorously tested through independent dust campaigns. CubeRover can traverse slopes of up to 30° and obstacles nearly 15 cm in diameter. It has a top speed of 10 cm/s and can cover multiple kilometers in a single lunar day.
Navigation
CubeRovers use a robust visual-inertial teleoperated navigation system. Wide angle front and rear cameras provide detailed, bi-directional views of the lunar surface. Custom mapping and visualization software tools allow payload teams to plan and monitor maneuvers. And built-in safeguards can automatically return CubeRover to its last known location in the event that off-nominal conditions are encountered.
Lander Stowage & Deployment
CubeRover comes with an innovative lander stowage and deployment system. The system is lander agnostic and readily customizable to specific bolt patterns and connector types. It includes all of the mechanical and electrical interfaces needed to support CubeRover’s payloads during launch and lunar transit. After landing, this system enables CubeRover to release and gently descend to the lunar surface under its own command and power.
Operations
Astrobotic’s payload managers and engineers are ready to help guide payload customers throughout each mission phase, from early analysis and reviews through integration, launch, and lunar surface operations. We provide customers with a CubeRover engineering model for payload interface and integration testing. We also offer a dedicated space for customers to work onsite at the Astrobotic Mission Control Center while their payload operates on the Moon.
Customization
We specialize in customizing CubeRover to meet your specific lunar delivery needs. Contact us at [email protected] or click on Plan Your Mission below to tell us about your payload. You can also learn more by downloading our CubeRover User’s Guide.
Lunar Landers User Guide
CubeRover User's Guide