Venturi Space has unveiled its latest moon rover, the Mona Luna. Sporting 'hyper-deformable' wheels, smart batteries and a battery management system also used in the Voxan Wattman, (aka the world’s fastest electric motorbike), it's part of a European effort to go to the moon's south pole... by 2030.

That aforementioned fancy coding to manage the super fast bike's battery – and specifically heat management – has been adapted to give the moon rover special powers to cope with its unusual environment.

These energy powerhouses – developed and tested in Monaco – have to withstand extreme temperatures, intense solar radiation and be protected against shocks, short circuits and shunts from a potentially rough landing. Nothing akin to a tussle at your local charging station point, but still.

The lunar rover's wheels might not be as blue as these Michelin ones, but the ‘hyper-deformable’ circles need to not only be able to negotiate potholes (literally) the size of moon craters, but also work without atmosphere.

Like the devices used in the Apollo missions and 2011 Curiosity rover, the wheels are puncture-proof and radiation-resistant. Unlike those earlier models though, these new wheels support a monster two tonnes, won’t freeze in -240*C temps and last over 3,100 miles. Neat.

Mona Luna is the third rover in Venturi Space’s range. There’s the FLIP and the Flex, both due to head out for some celestial fun with SpaceX in 2026 and 2027. Venturi Space also have designs on a rover for Mars, too.

You might recognise the Venturi name from its humble 1980s beginnings, persistent attempts at world record EV speeds, the sub-zero Venturi Antarctica or its Formula E team. Reckon it'll get to the lunar south pole, too?

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