Astrolab announces JPL collaboration and FLEX field test
- Astrolab announced a collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory on Oct. 14, 2022.
- Astrolab's FLEX rover carried JPL's Axel rover during a December 2021 field test at Dumont Dunes, Calif.
- FLEX drove Axel to the edge of extreme terrain while remaining available for other functions.
- Axel is a tethered robot designed for in-situ measurements and sampling.
- Astrolab says its goal is to bring a fleet of FLEX rovers to market.
What happened
Astrolab's announcement, dated 2022-10-14, involves a collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The company's FLEX rover carried JPL's Axel rover during a field test at Dumont Dunes, Calif.
What we know
Astrolab's announcement is dated 2022-10-14 and identifies a collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
The field test dated 2021-12 took place at Dumont Dunes, Calif., and FLEX carried JPL's Axel rover on the belly of its chassis.
In the test, FLEX drove Axel to the edge of extreme terrain and was free to perform other functions.
FLEX is described as a multi-functional rover that can pick up and deposit modular payloads.
Axel is a tethered robot capable of in-situ measurements and sampling. Its symmetrical design allows operation if it flips over, and it has 4 primary actuators.
Astrolab's stated goal is to bring a fleet of FLEX rovers to market.
Why it matters
The test shows Astrolab working with NASA's JPL on a payload-carrying arrangement, with FLEX delivering Axel to rough terrain while remaining available for other tasks.
For readers tracking the lunar industry, the verified facts point to modular payload handling, terrain access through a tethered robot, and Astrolab's aim to bring a FLEX rover fleet to market.
Sources
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