Lunasonde

Lunasonde is a newly established (founded 2023) space technology company based in Pasadena, specializing in lunar prospecting rovers and subsurface imaging. The company focuses on developing and deploying airborne radar technology – specifically a technique called aerial georadiotomography (aGRT) – to map subsurface features without the need for drilling or environmentally disruptive practices. This technology utilizes low-frequency radio waves to create high-resolution 3D compositional images of underground structures.

Lunasonde’s core value proposition centers on providing a scalable and sustainable solution for subsurface exploration, targeting a $100+ billion industry. Their technology aims to deliver 10x faster and cheaper exploration with superior accuracy compared to traditional geophysical methods. The company highlights applications in several key sectors including mining, defense, and space exploration, with a particular emphasis on identifying critical minerals needed for the clean energy transition.

While a young company and a Y Combinator S23 participant, Lunasonde positions itself as a pioneer in aGRT, offering a unique capability to “see the unseen” beneath the surface. The company’s website features testimonials from clients in real estate development, development companies, and architecture, suggesting early engagement with terrestrial applications of the technology, though specific mission details or rover deployments are not currently available publicly.