In a significant move towards lunar exploration, NASA has chosen Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab to propel the development of a lunar terrain vehicle (LTV). This vehicle will serve as the primary mode of transportation for Artemis astronauts on the lunar surface, facilitating scientific research and preparations for future missions to Mars.
The selection of these companies underscores NASA’s commitment to leveraging commercial expertise in bolstering scientific discovery and human exploration endeavors on the Moon. The agency plans to integrate the LTV into crewed operations as early as Artemis V.
Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We look forward to the development of the Artemis generation lunar exploration vehicle to help us advance what we learn at the Moon.” The LTV is anticipated to enhance astronauts’ capabilities for scientific exploration while also serving as a versatile platform for conducting research between crewed missions.
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NASA will procure the LTV as a service from industry partners through a contract valued at up to $4.6 billion. Each provider will commence with a feasibility study aimed at developing a system that aligns with NASA’s requirements. Subsequently, a request for task order proposal will be issued for a demonstration mission to validate the LTV’s performance and safety ahead of Artemis V.
Equipped with advanced technologies for power management, autonomous driving, and communication systems, the LTV will enable astronauts to traverse the Moon’s challenging terrain, conduct experiments, and collect samples more efficiently than on foot. Additionally, the vehicle will support NASA’s scientific objectives during periods when crews are not present on the lunar surface.
Jacob Bleacher, chief exploration scientist at NASA Headquarters, emphasized the significance of the LTV in expanding exploration capabilities, stating, “We will use the LTV to travel to locations we might not otherwise be able to reach on foot, increasing our ability to explore and make new scientific discoveries.”
Under the Artemis program, NASA aims to send diverse astronauts to explore the Moon, paving the way for scientific advancement, technological innovation, and future missions to Mars. The development of advanced rovers, in conjunction with other key components such as the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft, signifies NASA’s commitment to deep space exploration.
Data Source: nasa