Lunaria One receives Australian approval for overseas launch of lunar payload
Melbourne, Australia | 19 December 2025 – Lunaria One has received an Overseas Payload Permit from the Australian Government, authorising the overseas launch of its ALEPH-1 payload aboard Intuitive Machines’ NOVA-C lunar lander.
Lunaria One understands this to be the first time an Australian payload has been issued an Overseas Payload Permit for travel to the Moon.
With regulatory approval in place, the ALEPH-1 payload is progressing through final qualification testing, led by RMIT University, Lunaria One’s lead technical partner. These activities are focused on verifying the payload’s readiness for the conditions of launch and the lunar environment.
The ALEPH project is supported by a $3.6 million grant from the Australian Space Agency through the Moon to Mars Demonstrator Mission Grants, part of the national Moon to Mars initiative, which supports the development and maturation of space technologies and the growth of sovereign capability across Australia’s space sector and adjacent industries. The ALEPH-1 mission will demonstrate technologies designed to support and sustain a plant payload in the lunar environment.
Payload integration with Intuitive Machines in the United States is planned for early next year, following completion of the remaining test programme, ahead of a lunar launch expected later in the year.
“This approval marks an important transition point for the project,” said Lauren Fell, Director of Lunaria One. “As final testing is being completed, our focus is on ensuring the payload is ready for integration and the journey ahead.”