Griffin-1 Mission Update10 | 24 | 25Griffin-1 continues to gain momentum on the path to deliver Astrolab’s FLIP (FLEX Lunar Innovation Platform) rover, Astrobotic’s own CubeRover, and several additional payloads to the Moon. Read on for updates on integration, payloads, and software testing.Propulsion IntegrationGriffin-1’s propulsion architecture centers around four high-performance Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessel (COPV) propellant tanks engineered to be both lightweight and structurally robust, reliably containing substantial propellant loads at extreme operating pressures. Once the four propellant tanks are installed, final integration activities will be completed, and Griffin-1 will undergo environmental acceptance testing to ensure the lander will endure the challenging environments of launch, space, and the lunar surface.Avionics Ready for LaunchIn-house designed avionics flight hardware has been assembled and accepted for flight. [...]In tandem with flight-equivalent avionics, Astrobotic has implemented a fully closed-loop simulation of the descent and landing sequence. [...]Griffin-1 ManifestAstrolab’s FLIP (FLEX Lunar Innovation Platform) rover is undergoing developmental thermal vacuum testing, and core rover systems are integrated. [...]BEACON‘s joint mission development with Astrobotic and Mission Control is well under way. A simulation has been completed on a Flatsat, a high-fidelity electrical copy of the rover used for testing. The rover has successfully connected and communicated with the Griffin lunar lander’s Flatsat. This integrated simulation, which included CubeRover® operating with Mission Control’s Spacefarer™ software, is helping finalize the rover’s software ahead of its expected completion at the end of October.All secondary payloads have been received and are undergoing final physical and functional checkouts on our Production FlatSat system, which supports end-to-end systems and software verification.Structural IntegrationGriffin’s core structure is nearing full integration. Pressurant tanks, ramps, attitude control thrusters, and solar panels have all successfully undergone fit checks.Looking AheadWith engine qualification testing underway and critical systems coming online, Griffin-1 is advancing towards the Moon. Each milestone brings us closer to delivering payloads to the lunar surface, demonstrating precision landing, and advancing sustainable lunar infrastructure. The team is targeting the next viable launch window, which opens in July 2026. Stay tuned for more mission updates as we near completion of Griffin-1 for the Moon and beyond.
Announcing the latest company to join our FLIP mission to the Moon: Axiom Space!Axiom will be flying LUMEN, a digital light projection payload, on board our upcoming lunar rover mission. The commercial tech demo will be used to test Astrolab’s FLEX Lunar Terrain Vehicle crew display components and subsystems, as well as enable commercial brand marketing on the lunar surface.
As of last week, we completed acoustic qualification of FLIP's solar panel, clearing the way for build and acceptance testing of the flight panel!This testing is crucial as it screens for potential failures caused by extreme vibration from the noise of the launch vehicle.
From designing, building, and testing our FLIP rover to NASA design reviews to pressurized suit testing of our FLEX rover, 2025 was an incredible year for Astrolab! Check out some of the highlights.
In 2026, this illustration of our FLIP rover on the Moon becomes a reality.See you on the lunar surface. 🌔
Astrolab teams are getting ready to drive on the Moon this year!These user interfaces were created for downloading and displaying camera images from the Moon to our FLIP rover operators in mission control, with overlays of projected motion for planning the next drive segment. These simulated images of the lunar surface are being used for simulations driving around the FLIP landing site.
It is known which boosters he recommends as sides?
Amendment of X band downlink, bandwidth increased to 5 MHz
USN hereby apply for a 180-day STA commencing on July 1st 2026 to support TT&C communication of Astrolab FLIP lunar mission from its Hawaii South Point Station (antennas USHI01 & USHI02). Astrolab FLIP is a US registered satellite, its ITU name is USASAT-LUNAR-4. The authorization letter and the frequency coordination report will be provided once they are ready.
