### Astrobotic’s Tenacity: Revitalizing Lunar Aspirations with Griffin and FLIP
The quest for the Moon is fraught with obstacles, and for Astrobotic, a lunar lander firm based in Pittsburgh, 2024 became a year marked by notable challenges and a testament to perseverance. Following the unsuccessful launch of its Peregrine spacecraft and the subsequent cancellation of NASA’s VIPER rover initiative, Astrobotic confronted a daunting task to reshape its footprint in the emergent lunar economy. Nevertheless, through unyielding spirit and teamwork, the company revitalized its Griffin lander, obtaining a new payload and reaffirming its dedication to lunar exploration.
#### The Hurdles: Peregrine and VIPER
Astrobotic’s predicaments began in early 2024 when its inaugural spacecraft, Peregrine, suffered a propellant leak moments after takeoff. Despite the engineering team’s rigorous attempts, the spacecraft failed to fulfill its mission and had to be deorbited, incinerating upon reentry into Earth’s atmosphere. This setback raised questions about the company’s capability to execute its next, more daring venture: the Griffin lander.
Griffin was initially planned to transport NASA’s VIPER rover to the Moon’s south pole in 2025. The mission, priced at over $300 million, was integral to NASA’s Artemis program, designed to probe lunar resources and prepare for a sustained human presence on the Moon. However, with rising costs and uncertainties surrounding Griffin’s preparedness, NASA opted to cancel the mission in September 2024. This decision left Griffin without a payload and created a precarious outlook for Astrobotic.
“Indeed, the issues we faced with Peregrine were unforeseen and significantly hampered our progress,” stated John Thornton, Astrobotic’s CEO. “And certainly losing VIPER was another hurdle. Our team felt the impact.”
#### A Fresh Prospect: Breathing New Life into Griffin
In spite of these adversities, Astrobotic was resolute in its support for Griffin. NASA, dedicated to nurturing a commercial lunar economy, granted the company permission to continue with the mission using a mass simulator as a substitute payload. However, Astrobotic recognized a chance to enhance the mission’s significance. Thornton initiated outreach within the lunar industry, searching for a new client for Griffin’s noteworthy payload capacity.
Griffin, a robust and sizable lunar lander, towers nearly as high as an adult human and extends 15 feet (4.5 meters) wide. It has the capability to transport over half a ton (650 kg) to the lunar surface, making it the most substantial lunar lander since the Apollo missions. While larger constructs such as Blue Origin’s Blue Moon Mk 1 and SpaceX’s Starship are being developed, Griffin is set to reach the Moon sooner, potentially launching within the next year.
#### Introducing Astrolab and the FLIP Rover
As Astrobotic searched for a new payload, the California-based firm Venturi Astrolab emerged as a crucial collaborator. Astrolab, which had been advancing in lunar rover innovation, saw an opportunity to assess its technology on the Moon ahead of its original timeline. The company had already been selected by NASA to create a robust, long-lasting lunar rover for the Artemis program and intended to deploy its full-scale FLEX rover on SpaceX’s Starship in 2026. However, the possibility of utilizing a slot on Griffin enabled Astrolab to expedite its development.
Astrolab chose to create a prototype rover named FLIP (Flexible Logistics and Integrated Payload) to capitalize on Griffin’s payload capabilities. In contrast to smaller, shoebox-sized rovers typically used for testing, FLIP is a half-ton vehicle crafted to operate amidst the Moon’s extreme conditions. It will function as a test platform for essential technologies, including tires, wheel actuators, batteries, and flight software.
“We have long resisted the idea of creating a shoebox-sized rover,” remarked Jaret Matthews, CEO of Astrolab. “What made this opportunity distinct was the scale, with more than half a ton of payload capacity.”
#### Testing for Tomorrow
FLIP’s mission extends beyond merely reaching the Moon; it focuses on enduring and flourishing in its challenging environment. The rover is engineered to withstand the frigid lunar night, which lasts approximately 14 Earth days and can reduce temperatures to as low as -280°F (-173°C). Utilizing full-scale batteries, FLIP intends to survive one or more lunar nights, a vital capability for future rovers designed to support prolonged lunar explorations.
In addition to validating its primary systems, FLIP will transport experiments to tackle significant challenges of lunar operations. For instance, sensors will assess the build-up of lunar dust on surfaces, which poses a notorious concern as it can deteriorate equipment over time. The rover will also test the effectiveness of its wheel actuators in preventing abrasive lunar dust ingress.
#### Cultivating a Lunar Ecosystem
The partnership between Astrobotic and Astrolab underscores the increasing interconnectedness of companies in the commercial space landscape. By repurposing Griffin for a
