Audi's Lunar Quattro Rover Will Explore the Moon Next Year
The Audi Lunar Quattro is ready to explore the Moon.
Over the past few months, the German automaker’s team of experts has been working on the rover’s intelligent all-wheel-drive power distribution, optimizing its high-performance electronics and contributing their piloted driving expertise to the development process. The Audi Lunar Quattro has also shed 17.6 pounds (eight kilograms) while gaining Audi e-tron power as it gets ready to tackle one of the most difficult terrains of all in exploring the Moon.
The German space travel team “Part-Time Scientists” have announced that it plans to complete the trip to the Moon from the end of 2017, using a launcher booked with Spaceflight Inc.
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Audi has helped the rover shed some weight by using an optimum mix of materials as well as aluminum 3D printing. Currently it weighs a total of 66 lbs (33 kgs). Once it gets on the Moon, the Lunar Quattro will use four cameras to help find its way around, as well as examine objects and take 3D and 360-degree pictures. Before that can happen however, the team will conduct extensive stress testing of the two Audi Lunar Quattro vehicles and the landing probe by simulating the entire mission in the Middle East over the next few months.
“We are proud that we have given the moon rover important aspects of the four rings’ DNA: It is a quattro, has an e-tron battery on board, drives in piloted mode and offers an intelligent mix of materials,” remarked Michael Schöffmann, head of Audi transmission development and development coordinator of the Audi lunar quattro. “The collaboration with the Part-Time scientists is also very enriching for us: We are breaking new technological ground with the Audi lunar quattro and can learn much about how automotive components behave in extreme conditions.”
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Wow! That's great! At the end of next year this rover will be on the Moon! Oh wait, I just forgot, the USA has put 12 MEN up there already. Nevermind.