Monaco-based Venturi Space has unveiled its latest breakthrough, the FLIP (FLEX Lunar Innovation Platform) rover, at the 75th International Astronautical Congress in Milan…

This cutting-edge lunar rover, developed in partnership with Venturi Astrolab, is designed to meet growing demands for efficient payload delivery on the Moon, building on technology from the FLEX rover set to launch on a SpaceX mission in 2026.

As a proud product of Monaco’s technological prowess, FLIP combines innovation from Monaco, Switzerland, France, and the United States. Equipped with hyper-deformable wheels, robust chassis, solar panels, advanced avionics, and sophisticated software, FLIP is engineered to endure the Moon’s harsh conditions, including temperature fluctuations exceeding 300°C and intense solar radiation.

Weighing around half a tonne, with a payload capacity of 30 kg, FLIP is compatible with modern lunar landers and designed to support a range of scientific and commercial missions. Its robust build enables it to operate in extreme conditions, including the frigid temperatures of the Moon’s South Pole, where it can withstand periods of darkness and temperatures as low as -180°C.

Gildo Pastor, President of Venturi Space and Venturi Astrolab, expressed immense pride in the Monaco-based company’s achievements. “Our groundbreaking rover represents a giant leap for lunar logistics,” he said, noting FLIP’s energy-efficient batteries and innovative design.

From a small company in Monaco, Venturi is now set to play a crucial role in the future of lunar exploration, demonstrating that even a company from a tiny principality can reach for the stars—and the Moon.

Photo by Jason M