Astrobotic Technology Inc., space robotics, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, USA


MOONRUSH: short version
June 10, 2011

In 2013, a robot created by Astrobotic Technology will launch into space on board a Falcon 9 rocket in competition for the Google Lunar X Prize to become the first-ever privately funded mission to the Moon. When it lands, the rover will broadcast 3D video back to Earth, create art on the Moon, and engage the public in participatory exploration while prospecting for water and other valuable resources. For the first time, people on Earth will experience the lunar surface through the eyes of a robot.
Pioneered by legendary Pittsburgh roboticist Red Whittaker and his team of students at Carnegie Mellon University, this mission seeks to catalyze a commercial space revolution. By using mass produced robots to decrease the cost of exploring the solar system, they aim to make the experience of outer space more accessible to people on Earth.

Directed by Jonathan Minard
Produced by Michael Pisano and Ben Saks
Director of Photography Phil Kibbe
A production of DEEPSPEED Media and FLOATFILMS
 

Carnegie Mellon Lunar Rover Deployment Test

Published on Sep 18, 2014

This video shows the deployment of a Carnegie Mellon's Andy rover mass simulator from the deck of Astrobotic's lander. The mass simulator is 1/6 of the rover's expected mass to provide accurate gravitational separation force. The video playback is at a reduced speed to provide the equivalent timing and visual effect to deployment in lunar gravity.
 

Google Lunar Xprize: Astrobotic completes rover tests for $750,000 prize

Published on Dec 24, 2014

Team Astrobotic takes to an active quarry just outside of Pittsburgh to put its lunar rover through its paces. Tests complete, the team takes home two milestone prizes worth $750,000.
 
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