NASA has chosen three well-known space companies, Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab, to develop an innovative moon rover for future astronaut transport on the lunar surface. The goal is to create a resilient, malleable, and efficient moon rover capable of battling harsh lunar environments. The moon rover will also facilitate seamless exploration, aiding our understanding of the moon and its potential for human settlement.
The teams are presently in a 12-month feasibility stage, concluding with a preliminary design assessment. Later, the process will open to competitive proposals before choosing one company to establish the Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) for the anticipated Artemis V mission.
Artemis V, scheduled for no earlier than 2029, aims to build a permanent human base on the moon. The mission will utilize cutting-edge technology and renewable resources to enhance our knowledge of the Moon substantially. The successful establishment of a human base on the lunar surface has implications for future exploration of places like Mars, requiring active collaboration from international partners and private industries.
Although the specific financial details remain undisclosed, Intuitive Machines revealed that they received a $30 million contract.
Selecting companies for lunar rover creation
The cumulative value of all tasks over the next 13 years could reach $4.6 billion. This anticipated investment aims to amplify the private sector’s participation in lunar exploration and expand scientific understanding of the moon. Notably, the $4.6 billion estimate spans across activities such as lunar payload integration, operations, and supplementary services.
The moon rover is required to have a lifespan of 10 years and be capable of transporting two astronauts fully suited for lunar exploration. However, specifics like the battery technology and its operational range remain undisclosed.
Vanessa Wyche, the director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, expects the vehicle to incorporate features from the Apollo-era lunar rover and an automated mobile science station. The adaptable vessel will enhance the flexibility of future lunar missions. In addition to transporting astronauts across the lunar surface, it intends to collect and store moon rocks and soil for further examination. Its automated systems will enable it to function independently, adding to its potential for extended and uninterrupted lunar research.
