Aluminium: We are over the moon!!

Audi's latest project is to build a moon rover good enough to win the Google Lunar XPRIZE competition. Thanks to a sophisticated additive manufacturing process, they're well on their way.

The wheels of the lightweight rover is made entirely of Aluminium alloy powder to cut down the weight and also help in navigating the harsh moon terrain. It has been calculated that a kilogram of payload to moon will cost 800,000 euros, and by using Aluminium, the rover’s weight can be reduced by 1.6 kgs which will allow additional 1.28 million euros worth of scientific equipment on board.

The rules for the rover are straightforward but challenging. The rover has to successfully complete the 384,000-kilometer journey and land safely on the moon. Once there, the unit needs to complete at least a 500-meter drive on the surface, and send HD images back to earth that delivers new, never-seen views. They also have to launch before the end of 2017.

That means the clock is ticking for Audi. With Aluminium in their wheels, we are sure that success is round the corner. Team Aluminium wishes them all the very best!!

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