Astrolab's FLIP Rover Adds 4 NASA Payloads Ahead of Late-2026 Lunar Launch

5 articles · Updated · SpaceNews · May 18

Four NASA payloads will fly on Astrolab’s FLIP rover when it launches on Astrobotic’s Griffin-1 lander later this year, including instruments to prospect for helium-3, study lunar dust, test lidar and provide a retroreflector array.
Nonreimbursable Space Act Agreements with four NASA centers let Astrolab move quickly because no money changed hands, helping the company fit the science package into FLIP’s tight launch schedule.
FLIP is effectively complete and is about to begin shock, vibration and thermal-vacuum testing; Astrolab expects the rover to be ready by the end of summer for integration ahead of a Falcon Heavy launch from Kennedy Space Center.
The mission also doubles as a proving ground for Astrolab’s Artemis rover bid after NASA asked LTV contenders to redesign smaller vehicles for delivery by CLPS landers, with awards expected May 22 and delivery targeted 18 months later.

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