Astrobotic :: Robotic Spacecraft , Landers, Rovers & Related Technologies to Enable Sustainable Exploration

Astrobotic is a Pittsburgh-based space robotics and aerospace company founded in 2007. It is one of the leading commercial lunar logistics providers in the United States, specializing in the design, development, and operation of robotic spacecraft, landers, rovers, and related technologies to enable sustainable exploration and utilization of the Moon and beyond. The company was selected by NASA for multiple CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) missions and has secured significant contracts with NASA, the Department of Defense, and private customers. Astrobotic’s mission is to make space accessible to the world by providing reliable, cost-effective robotic delivery and surface operations services.

Astrobotic has developed a family of robotic systems optimized for lunar and planetary environments, focusing on mobility, autonomy, and payload delivery.

Key robot-based products include:

• Peregrine Lunar Lander: Astrobotic’s first-generation lander, designed to deliver up to 265 kg of payload to the lunar surface. It features advanced propulsion, precision landing, and autonomous hazard avoidance. Although the first mission (IM-1) in 2024 encountered a propulsion anomaly and did not achieve a soft landing, it provided valuable flight data and demonstrated key technologies.
• Griffin Lunar Lander: A larger, more capable lander developed for NASA’s CLPS program. Griffin is designed to deliver the VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover) and other heavy payloads to the lunar south pole. It incorporates enhanced propulsion, thermal control, and precision landing capabilities.
• CubeRover and Rover Technologies: Astrobotic develops small, modular rovers (including the CubeRover family) for surface mobility, exploration, and science operations. These rovers are designed for long-duration missions, rugged terrain navigation, and integration with landers or larger robotic systems.
• Autonomous Navigation and AI Systems: The company invests heavily in advanced autonomy software, computer vision, and hazard detection algorithms that enable safe landing and surface mobility in GPS-denied lunar environments.

Astrobotic also provides supporting services such as payload integration, mission operations, and lunar data relay. The company continues to expand its portfolio with new lander designs, rover technologies, and in-space logistics solutions, positioning itself as a key partner for NASA’s Artemis program and commercial lunar economy initiatives.