Astrobotic Partners with Andøya Space for Lunar Lander Test Flights

• Term Sheet Signed for Launch Site Agreement to Facilitate Xodiac Lander Testbed Flights

Astrobotic Partners with Andøya Space to Advance Lunar Exploration

In a significant stride for lunar logistics and space exploration, US-based Astroboitic has entered into a term sheet agreement with Norwegian spaceport operator Andøya Space. This partnership paves the way for Astrobotic to conduct flights of its Xodiac lander testbed from Andøya’s state-of-the-art facilities, beginning in 2026.

A Legacy of Innovation: The Xodiac Lander

Originally developed by Masten Space Systems, the Xodiac is a vertical takeoff and landing rocket designed to simulate lunar and Martian landings. Following Masten’s bankruptcy in 2022, Astrobotic acquired its intellectual property, including the Xodiac vehicle, as well as its talented team, bolstering its Propulsion and Test Department. This strategic move showcases Astrobotic’s commitment to advancing capabilities in space exploration.

A Launch Site Agreement for the Future

On September 4, 2025, Andøya Space announced its collaboration with Astrobotic, detailing plans to utilize its facilities for a series of Xodiac flight campaigns. These campaigns are critical for validating flight systems and hardware, significantly reducing risks associated with future lunar missions. The tests aim to enhance technologies applicable both on Earth and in outer space, demonstrating Astrobotic’s holistic approach to innovation in the aerospace sector.

Astrobotic’s CEO, John Thornton, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “Xodiac’s presence at Andøya represents a meaningful step toward delivering reliable, rapid, and cost-effective testing and demonstration capabilities to the European space market. By making a flight-proven, reusable rocket available to commercial and government partners, we’re enabling customers to accelerate the development of space systems in a dedicated environment built for innovation.”

Enhancing International Collaboration

In January 2025, Norway and the United States formalized a Technology Safeguards Agreement to streamline the export of commercial launch vehicles and satellites to Norway. Astrobotic’s plan to leverage Andøya Space facilities marks the first practical implementation of this framework, signifying a new era of international collaboration in space exploration.

The Road Ahead

As we look towards 2026, the partnership between Astrobotic and Andøya Space heralds an exciting phase for testing and demonstrating technologies crucial for lunar exploration. The successful execution of the Xodiac flight campaigns could significantly impact not only the lunar logistics landscape but also inspire innovations that benefit both terrestrial and extraterrestrial applications.

This collaboration not only underscores the importance of robust partnerships in advancing space technology but also showcases a shared vision of making space exploration more accessible and reliable. With Xodiac taking flight from Norwegian soil, Astrobotic is poised to play a pivotal role in ushering in a new era of lunar accessibility and beyond.