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Astrobotic Technology

Astrobotic Technology, Inc. is an American private aerospace and robotics company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, founded in 2007 by robotics expert Red Whittaker of Carnegie Mellon University and co-founder John Thornton, with the mission to democratize access to space through affordable lunar delivery services and advanced robotics technologies. The company emerged as a spinout from Carnegie Mellon, initially motivated by the Google Lunar X Prize competition to develop low-cost lunar missions, and has since grown into a key player in NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, securing over $600 million in contracts with NASA, the Department of Defense, and commercial clients to transport scientific instruments and rovers to the Moon. Astrobotic's core offerings include the and lunar landers, the with up to 90 kg payload and the with up to 625 kg payload, which are designed for precise soft landings, alongside compact rovers such as the CubeRover family and the Rover for surface exploration, navigation, and resource detection. Its first major mission, in January 2024, aimed to deliver payloads but encountered a propulsion system failure due to a faulty , resulting in a controlled re-entry without achieving ; lessons from this have informed subsequent designs. The upcoming Griffin Mission One, delayed to no earlier than July 2026 due to challenges, will target the at the , carrying payloads like the FLIP rover and contributing to NASA's goals for sustainable lunar presence. In addition to landers and rovers, Astrobotic develops supporting technologies such as surface power systems, including the LunaGrid-Lite demonstration mission that completed critical design review in August 2025, and innovative solar solutions like the Vertical Solar Array Technology (VSAT) in partnership with to enable operations during the lunar night. With over 200 employees as of 2025 and ongoing collaborations with entities like , continues to advance , , and autonomous systems to support both commercial and scientific lunar endeavors.

History

Founding and early development

Astrobotic Technology was founded in 2007 by William "Red" Whittaker and John Thornton, with Whittaker a professor at , as a from the university's Field in , . Whittaker, known for his pioneering work in , established the company to advance affordable access to the Moon through innovative space technologies. The company's initial focus centered on developing and systems for lunar exploration, with an emphasis on creating cost-effective solutions for delivering payloads to the lunar surface. This vision was driven by the goal of competing in the , a $20 million grand prize competition (with bonuses up to $30 million total) launched in 2007 to encourage private development of lunar landers capable of traveling 500 meters on the . Astrobotic aimed to leverage expertise in mobile robots for unpredictable environments, adapting technologies like vision-based navigation and locomotion for the harsh lunar conditions. Early funding supported these efforts, beginning with a NASA concept study grant in 2008 for regolith-moving methods and followed by a $795,000 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) in 2009 to investigate lunar resource prospecting. By 2010, Astrobotic had secured additional NASA contracts, including a significant worth up to $10 million for a robotic lunar expedition, bringing total early funding from NASA to over $10 million and enabling the company's foundational growth. These resources facilitated internal development without reliance on extensive private investment at the outset. During 2008 and 2009, Astrobotic developed its first , including an initial version of the Griffin lunar lander—originally called —and early rover concepts designed for lunar mobility. These prototypes incorporated autonomous systems tested in simulated environments, marking the company's shift from conceptual to hardware demonstration. Field trials of a lunar prototype were underway by early 2009, validating key technologies for precision landing and surface operations in with Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute.

Competitions and partnerships

Astrobotic Technology entered the Google Lunar XPRIZE competition in 2007, immediately following the prize's announcement, with the objective of achieving the first privately funded robotic lunar landing and surface traversal of at least 500 meters by the original 2012 deadline, which was subsequently extended to 2017. The $20 million grand prize (with bonuses up to $30 million total) aimed to accelerate commercial space innovation, and Astrobotic's participation marked an early commitment to developing affordable lunar access technologies independent of government funding. To bolster their technical capabilities, the company formed key partnerships, including a collaboration with announced in late 2007 to engineer mission-critical systems like and for the challenging lunar descent and operations. Central to Astrobotic's XPRIZE strategy was the development of the prototype, a compact, solar-powered designed for autonomous and traversal on the lunar surface. The prototype underwent rigorous mobility tests in simulated lunar environments, including regolith analogs at the Field Robotics Center and desert sites mimicking low-gravity traction challenges, validating its ability to traverse uneven terrain at speeds up to 0.2 meters per second while maintaining stability for scientific sampling. These demonstrations earned Astrobotic milestone recognition from the , highlighting progress toward operational readiness. In support of launch logistics, Astrobotic established a partnership with in February 2011, securing a contract for rideshare delivery via rockets to , with initial targeting for missions in 2013 amid evolving schedules. This agreement reduced costs by leveraging commercial launch capacity, aligning with the XPRIZE's emphasis on private enterprise. To finance these high-risk developments amid the competition's uncertainties, Astrobotic diversified into terrestrial applications during the 2010-2017 period, applying their autonomous and excavation expertise to mining technologies for earthly resource extraction, such as underground haulage systems that paralleled lunar drilling needs and generated revenue through contracts and prototypes.

NASA contracts and milestones

In November 2018, NASA selected Astrobotic as one of nine companies for its (CLPS) vendor pool to enable commercial delivery of scientific payloads to the Moon. In May 2019, NASA awarded Astrobotic a $79.5 million task order under CLPS to develop and operate the lunar lander, enabling delivery of up to 14 NASA payloads to a lunar site near the Gruithuisen Domes in 2021. This contract marked Astrobotic's first major NASA-funded lunar delivery mission, focusing on end-to-end services including payload integration, launch, and surface operations. Building on this foundation, awarded Astrobotic a $199.5 million task order in June 2020 to deliver the Volatiles Investigating (VIPER) to the Moon's using the company's . The aimed to map water ice deposits to support future human exploration under the , with a targeted landing in late 2023. However, canceled the VIPER project in July 2024 due to cost overruns and schedule delays, though Astrobotic retained the contract value for development and proceeded with a modified . Key technical milestones advanced Astrobotic's collaborations during this period. In March 2020, and partner Frontier Aerospace conducted over 60 hot-fire tests on lander thruster prototypes, validating their performance in simulated lunar conditions over 10 days. These tests confirmed the reliability of the hypergolic engines for descent and landing maneuvers. By December 2022, Astrobotic completed and acoustic testing on the lander structure at a commercial facility in , ensuring compatibility for payload integration and survival during launch. Astrobotic's growth supported these NASA efforts, expanding its workforce to over 250 employees by the end of 2023 to handle increased engineering and operations demands. In August 2023, the company established a 100m x 100m high-fidelity lunar surface simulation test field at its Mojave facility, replicating lunar topography and properties for validating lander and rover interactions under contracts. This infrastructure enhanced testing for CLPS payloads and future missions.

Organization

Leadership and operations

Astrobotic Technology is led by John Thornton, who co-founded the company in 2007 and assumed the CEO role following the departure of the initial in 2012. Thornton's background includes early in and development at Astrobotic, drawing on expertise in space systems honed through the company's foundational projects in lunar . The executive team features key roles supporting technical innovation and financial oversight. Other senior leaders, such as of Business Development Dan Hendrickson and of Space Programs Steve Clarke, contribute to strategic partnerships and program execution. Day-to-day operations are structured across , science, operational, and administrative departments, enabling coordinated development of lunar technologies, planning, and administrative support. This division facilitates efficient progression from concept to deployment, with focusing on and software , operations handling execution, and pursuing commercial opportunities. As a privately held entity spun out from , Astrobotic maintains governance through its executive leadership and board, including founder Red Whittaker as chairman. The company has secured seed investments from entities like Space Angels Network and extensive contracts, with cumulative funding and awards exceeding $600 million by 2025 to support its growth in space robotics.

Facilities and workforce

Astrobotic Technology's headquarters is located in Pittsburgh's North Side neighborhood, specifically at 1016 North Lincoln Avenue, within a 47,000-square-foot facility that serves as the company's primary hub for lunar logistics and operations. This multi-story complex includes clean rooms dedicated to development and assembly, as well as integrated testing labs for components, enabling end-to-end design, build, and qualification processes under one roof. The facility also houses a Lunar Lab, opened in 2021, which simulates properties for rover and payload performance verification. In addition to its Pittsburgh base, Astrobotic maintains a facility in , at the , where it conducts surface simulation testing through the Lunar Surface Proving Ground—a 100-meter by 100-meter high-fidelity 3D test bed replicating lunar topography and optical conditions for mobility and payload trials. This site supports propulsion and landing system evaluations, stemming from the 2022 acquisition of Masten Space Systems, which specialized in such technologies. For mission integration, Astrobotic collaborates with NASA's , utilizing its infrastructure for final spacecraft preparations and payload installations. The company has also expanded its Pittsburgh footprint, acquiring a nearby 46,000-square-foot building in 2023 for additional capacity and planning further adjacent development. As of June 2025, Astrobotic employs approximately 275 personnel, a figure reflecting growth driven by contracts and commercial partnerships. The workforce comprises experts in , , and , supporting the development of autonomous systems for space s. While specific diversity initiatives are not publicly detailed, the company's collaborative projects with institutions emphasize inclusive environments. Internal training programs focus on advancing skills in space and mission operations, ensuring team readiness for high-stakes lunar endeavors. Key infrastructure elements, such as vacuum chambers for thermal vacuum testing, are integral to hardware qualification at the and Mojave sites, simulating space environmental conditions to validate components like solar arrays and landers. These facilities collectively position Astrobotic as a leader in private lunar infrastructure, with ongoing expansions to accommodate increasing mission demands.

Technology

Lunar landers

Astrobotic Technology has developed two primary architectures: the , a smaller class vehicle optimized for mid-latitude deliveries, and the , a medium-class lander designed for heavier payloads and polar operations. These landers enable precise payload deployment to the lunar surface as part of NASA's (CLPS) program, emphasizing reliability in harsh and environments. Both incorporate advanced , guidance, and power systems to support scientific and commercial objectives without human intervention. The Peregrine Lander features a of approximately 1,290 kg, encompassing the vehicle, , and . It accommodates up to 100 kg of total to the lunar surface, with flexible mounting options on two standard decks (0.5 each) and one smaller deck (0.2 ) for instruments, accommodating payloads up to several kg each. is provided by pressure-fed hypergolic bipropellant engines using mono-methyl-hydrazine (MMH) as fuel and (MON-25) as oxidizer, including five main engines (667 N each) and twelve attitude control system (ACS) engines (45 N each), enabling and maneuvers. The lander supports up to 192 hours (8 days) of surface operations for mid-latitude missions, with potential for longer in polar regions with continuous sunlight, facilitating extended functionality during lunar daylight. The Griffin Lander represents a larger medium-class , capable of delivering up to 625 kg of mass to the lunar surface. It employs pressure-fed hypergolic bipropellant engines using M20 and MON3 oxidizer—five main thrusters at 700 lbf each and twelve attitude control thrusters at 25 lbf—for reliable ignition and precision landing, particularly targeted at the lunar south pole's challenging terrain. This configuration allows for accurate within rugged areas, supporting missions like resource prospecting near permanently shadowed craters. Shared across both lander designs are key features enhancing autonomy and durability. Autonomous navigation relies on systems integrating star trackers, inertial measurement units (), sun sensors, and the OPAL hazard detection sensor for real-time terrain-relative navigation and safe landing. Avionics are radiation-hardened, utilizing an Integrated Avionics Unit (IAU) with a fault-tolerant LEON 3 microprocessor and radiation-tolerant field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) to withstand cosmic radiation. Power generation comes from solar arrays paired with lithium-ion batteries, delivering configurable output via a 28 Vdc distribution rail to sustain operations through lunar day-night cycles. Development milestones include Peregrine's qualification through environmental and structural testing completed in 2023, confirming its readiness for flight. For Griffin, engine hot-fire qualification tests were successfully conducted in 2024, validating propulsion performance ahead of integration. These landers are briefly referenced in mission contexts, such as Peregrine's role in initial CLPS deliveries and Griffin's support for south pole exploration.

Rovers and mobility systems

Astrobotic Technology's rover technologies emphasize compact, scalable mobility solutions for lunar surface operations, with the CubeRover serving as the core platform for deploying scientific instruments across diverse terrains. The CubeRover is available in multiple configurations, including up to 0.3 m in length, 0.2 m in width, and 0.1 m in height for 6U models, with a mass up to 10 ; larger variants (12U+) are available with scaled dimensions and masses around 10-15 . These rovers utilize a fixed-axis, four-wheel drive system with skid steering, which provides stability and traction on uneven , enabling traversal speeds of up to 0.36 km/h (10 cm/s). Autonomy is a key aspect of CubeRover design, incorporating AI-driven software for hazard avoidance and real-time decision-making during operations. cameras facilitate 3D mapping of the lunar environment, allowing the rover to detect obstacles and plan safe paths independently. configurations support operations for 1 lunar day, with enhanced versions in development for lunar night survival to extend life beyond 14 days. In addition to the CubeRover, Astrobotic develops specialized mobility systems such as the Scorpion ILV, a for testing in-situ resource utilization techniques, including processing and resource extraction on the lunar surface. Through partnerships, Astrobotic integrates advanced rovers like Astrolab's (FLEX Lunar Innovation ) into its missions, with integration ongoing as of mid-2025 for the delayed mission to support enhanced logistics and exploration capabilities. The rover, weighing nearly 500 kg with a 30 kg , complements Astrobotic's systems by enabling collaborative surface operations. Rigorous testing ensures reliability, as demonstrated by the flight-ready certification of in June 2025, following successful thermal-vacuum and vibration qualification campaigns that validated performance under simulated lunar conditions. These systems can be mounted directly onto Astrobotic's lunar landers for seamless deployment.

Payload delivery services

Astrobotic provides comprehensive end-to-end payload delivery services for lunar missions, handling the process from initial payload design review and compatibility assessment through integration, launch preparation, cruise phase operations, and final deployment on the lunar surface or in . These services include key milestones such as the Payload Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR), and Flight Readiness Review (FRR), with integration occurring at Astrobotic's facilities approximately nine to five months prior to launch. Delivery options encompass for surface operations, typically lasting up to two months, or placement in , such as a 100 km by 750 km , to accommodate diverse payload requirements including scientific instruments, technology demonstrators, and cultural artifacts. The company's pricing model is structured on a per-kilogram basis, offering lunar surface delivery at $1.2 million per kg for standard payloads on landers like and , which supports scalable slots for smaller packages while accommodating larger integrations up to several hundred kilograms. For orbit delivery, costs are lower at $300,000 per kg, and specialized rover-based transport adds $4.5 million per kg to enable mobility post-landing. This model facilitates access for a range of customers, from government agencies to private entities, with additional fees possible for custom power or bandwidth needs beyond the baseline of 1.0 W/kg and 10 kbps/kg provided. Payload manifestation involves a structured process where customers submit proposals via Astrobotic's , followed by assignment to specific missions based on , , and operational as defined in the (ICD). Current manifests feature instruments such as the Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA) for precision ranging experiments and commercial technologies including NanoFiche's Galactic Library for data preservation. As of November 2025, Griffin Mission One has five confirmed payloads, reflecting growing demand for deliveries under 's (CLPS) program. To ensure mission reliability, Astrobotic incorporates redundant communication systems, including X-band links to , onboard for payload interactions, and integration of laser communication payloads like the ATLAS system for high-bandwidth data transfer up to 100 Mbps. Ground operations leverage a of multiple stations for 100% coverage, with data relayed through Astrobotic's at approximately three-second latency, minimizing single points of failure during the payload's operational lifecycle.

Missions

Peregrine Mission One

(PM1) marked Astrobotic Technology's inaugural attempt to deliver payloads to the lunar surface as part of NASA's (CLPS) initiative. The mission launched on January 8, 2024, at 2:18 a.m. ET from in aboard United Launch Alliance's rocket, its maiden flight. The lander separated successfully approximately 51 minutes after liftoff and achieved initial orbit insertion, with ground teams establishing communication via NASA's Deep Space Network shortly thereafter. Shortly after separation, however, a critical propulsion anomaly emerged when the spacecraft failed to maintain a stable sun-pointing orientation necessary for power and thermal control. Investigation revealed that a mechanical sealing flaw in Control Valve 2 (PCV2) caused a rupture in the oxidizer tank, leading to a leak that prevented the soft lunar landing originally targeted for February 15, 2024, in the Sinus Viscositatis region. Instead, operated in a for 10 days and 14 hours, during which teams stabilized the spacecraft and collected valuable telemetry data on the leak dynamics and subsystem performance. The mission concluded with a controlled re-entry over the South on January 18, 2024, at 4:04 p.m. ET, ensuring safe disposal without risk to populated areas. The lander carried 21 diverse payloads totaling approximately 90 kg, including five CLPS science instruments designed to study lunar , volatiles, and surface interactions. Notable among these were the Spectrometer (LETS) for detection and the Near-Infrared Volatile Spectrometer System (NSS) for mapping and gases, alongside items such as commemorative payloads from organizations like Celestis. Despite the landing failure, nine payloads successfully communicated with the lander, and three instruments—LETS, NSS, and the Mass Spectrometer Observing Lunar Operations (M-42)—powered on to collect and downlink publishable data on space and chemical compounds during the orbital . This , combined with propulsion system diagnostics, advanced several subsystems to 9. A comprehensive post-mission review board identified 24 in-flight anomalies, eight of which were mission-critical, primarily stemming from the valve failure and its cascading effects. Key lessons included redesigning pressure control valves with multiple dissimilar redundancies, enhancing processes, and improving supplier oversight to mitigate similar risks in future missions like . The total mission cost exceeded $100 million, reflecting investments in development, launch, and operations under the $79.5 million NASA CLPS contract plus additional commercial funding.

Griffin Mission One

Griffin Mission One (GM1) is Astrobotic Technology's second commercial lunar payload services (CLPS) mission under NASA's Artemis program, aimed at delivering scientific and commercial payloads to the Moon's south pole region. The mission utilizes the Griffin lander, a medium-class vehicle designed for vertical soft landings and surface operations. The primary objectives include achieving a precise in the Nobile Crater area at the to deploy payloads, demonstrate lander functionality for future missions, and support NASA's exploration goals by testing technologies for sustainable lunar presence. The mission will launch no earlier than July 2026 aboard a Falcon Heavy rocket from , following a trajectory. Payloads for GM1 encompass a mix of NASA-sponsored instruments for lunar science, commercial demonstrations, and mobility systems. Key among them is Venturi Astrolab's FLEX Lunar Innovation Platform (FLIP) rover, integrated in February 2025 after NASA's cancellation of the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) project in July 2024 due to cost overruns and delays. Additional payloads include Astrobotic's own CubeRover for technology validation, as well as commercial items such as a Nippon Travel Agency commemorative plaque and the Galactic Library archive. The mission timeline has faced multiple delays, originally targeting 2024 before slipping to 2025, then to fall 2025, and most recently to mid-2026. These postponements stem from disruptions and the need for additional integration and testing time, as announced by Astrobotic in October 2025. Technical preparations have advanced steadily, with successful end-to-end communications testing using NASA's Deep Space Network completed in late 2024 to verify space-to-ground links. In 2025, engine qualification tests progressed through hot-fire trials for the lander's propulsion system, while prelaunch simulations ensured precise landing capabilities. As of November 2025, the lander remains in assembly at Astrobotic's facilities, with environmental testing and payload integration ongoing ahead of the revised launch window.

Griffin Mission Two

Griffin Mission Two represents Astrobotic Technology's planned third lunar mission, utilizing the lander to deliver payloads to the Moon's . As a follow-on to the Griffin Mission One, it aims to support , exploration, and commercial activities by transporting customer instruments and cargo to the lunar surface. The mission will accommodate hundreds of kilograms of payloads, including science instruments, technology demonstrators, rovers, power systems, and infrastructure elements. The launch is targeted for 2026 aboard a Falcon Heavy rocket from , , enabling enhanced capabilities for payload delivery and scalability to support multiple rovers and larger instruments. In addition to surface operations, the mission includes opportunities for satellite deployments into space, broadening its scope beyond purely lunar activities. This configuration builds on the lander's design for flexible mounting options. Payload interests encompass options from NASA's (CLPS) program and private sector experiments, with early manifesting activities anticipated in 2025 to secure commitments for resource-related and other demonstrations. As of late 2025, the mission remains in the conceptual phase, leveraging flight data and lessons from Griffin Mission One to refine operations and integration processes.

Canceled missions

Astrobotic's early lunar ambitions included a mission contracted with in April 2011 for a launch targeting the as early as December 2013. This effort, part of the Google Lunar XPRIZE competition, aimed to deploy the prototype and commercial payloads but was canceled in 2013 due to missed internal deadlines and insufficient funding to proceed. Subsequent variants of the XPRIZE plans, including detailed Red Rover deployment strategies, were abandoned by 2017 as the competition neared its end without a viable launch path. Astrobotic formally withdrew from the XPRIZE in December 2016, citing inability to secure a confirmed 2017 launch contract and unreadiness of key technologies, which effectively terminated these rover-focused initiatives. The overall competition concluded without a winner in January 2018. In a more recent development, canceled the integration of its Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) onto Astrobotic's Mission One in July 2024. The decision stemmed from significant cost overruns totaling approximately $450 million, combined with broader funding constraints in 's Science Mission Directorate. Originally awarded a $199.5 million contract in 2020 under the (CLPS) program that was later adjusted upward, will pay Astrobotic approximately $323 million to proceed with the lander demonstration mission without VIPER, preserving other payload opportunities. This cancellation redirected VIPER technologies toward alternative missions, including a later integration announced in September 2025. Additionally, Astrobotic's planned 2021 deployment of Spacebit's micro- on the lander was deprioritized to align with evolving CLPS requirements and launch delays. Initially announced as the first commercial lunar , the legged rover concept shifted focus amid NASA's emphasis on verified CLPS payloads, resulting in a different Spacebit flying instead on the 2024 mission.

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