Visitors to Monaco’s Automobile Museum can now discover an extraordinary exhibition showcasing futuristic lunar rovers developed by Monegasque company Venturi…
Until 2 September, four innovative robotic vehicles, designed to operate on the moon’s hostile terrain, are on display, offering a glimpse into Monaco’s bold venture into space technology.
Venturi Space Monaco’s Technical Director, Franck Baldet, explained that the project combines two of founder Gildo Pastor’s lifelong passions: space exploration, inspired by Apollo broadcasts during his childhood, and electric vehicle innovation, which has defined Venturi for the past 25 years. “The Moon is a very hostile environment, with temperatures ranging from minus 170°C to plus 150°C,” Baldet noted. “We need new materials, wheels compatible with lunar soil, and batteries that can withstand these extremes.”
The exhibition features three rovers developed in partnership with Venturi Astrolab in the United States. The Flex rover is designed to transport astronauts across the lunar surface, while the smaller Flip rover will demonstrate advanced Venturi technology alongside NASA measuring instruments. Visitors can also see a concept proposal for a future Mars exploration vehicle, highlighting the company’s long-term ambitions beyond Earth’s orbit.
Excitingly, the Flip rover is scheduled to land on the Moon as early as February 2026, transported aboard SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket, marking a major milestone for Venturi Astrolab. This exhibition not only celebrates Monaco’s pioneering role in electric mobility but also its leap towards space innovation.
By merging visionary dreams with cutting-edge engineering, Venturi’s lunar rovers symbolise a remarkable new chapter in the Principality’s technological and scientific advancement – from the roads of Monaco to the surface of the Moon.
Image: Monaco Info
