Monaco's Venturi Space Debuts FLIP Rover at International Astronautical Congress

Monaco-based Venturi Space, in collaboration with Venturi Astrolab, has unveiled the FLIP (FLEX Lunar Innovation Platform) rover at the 75th International Astronautical Congress in Milan, marking a significant advancement in lunar exploration technology. The FLIP rover, drawing on technologies from the forthcoming FLEX rover scheduled for a SpaceX launch in 2026, is tailored to enhance payload delivery efficiency on the Moon. This innovation underscores Monaco's growing influence in the global space industry and its commitment to pioneering technological solutions.

Engineered to withstand the Moon’s severe environmental challenges, such as extreme temperature fluctuations and intense solar radiation, FLIP incorporates advanced features including hyper-deformable wheels, a sturdy chassis, solar panels, cutting-edge avionics, and sophisticated software. With a weight of approximately half a tonne and a payload capacity of 30 kg, FLIP is compatible with contemporary lunar landers and is specifically designed to support diverse scientific and commercial missions, even in the harsh conditions of the Moon’s South Pole.

Gildo Pastor, President of Venturi Space and Venturi Astrolab, expressed immense pride in this achievement. "Our groundbreaking rover represents a giant leap for lunar logistics," he stated. The introduction of FLIP positions Venturi, a firm rooted in the small principality of Monaco, as a key player in the future of lunar exploration, demonstrating that even smaller entities can have a significant impact on the global stage of space exploration.