European Space Agency collaborates with Monaco company to conduct lunar rover technology research

The Monaco-based Venturi Aerospace Company recently issued a statement saying that the company has signed a contract with the European Space Agency to conduct lunar rover technology research starting from January 1st of this year, in preparation for Europe's future lunar missions. The statement indicates that this research will focus on lunar driving or mobility technology, including suspension systems and ultra-deformable wheels, with the aim of enabling the lunar rover to efficiently travel on the soft and rugged terrain of the lunar surface, while tolerating temperature changes of about 400 degrees Celsius. Subsystems such as power supply and thermal control management will also be specifically researched and validated to ensure that the lunar rover has the capability to survive long lunar nights. The statement said that Venturi Aerospace Company will use its lunar rover as the testing platform for this experiment, which will take place in a lunar simulation facility jointly developed by the European Space Agency and the German Aerospace Center. Daniel Neuenschwander, head of the Human and Robotic Exploration Department at the European Space Agency, said, "The aerospace field is constantly growing, with increasing involvement from the private sector, and global research and development of new technologies is accelerating. Various institutions are establishing new partnerships with the industry. In this research, the European Space Agency is taking an approach consistent with this strategy."