Driving on the Moon: NASA Pursues Next-Generation Lunar Terrain Vehicle — NASA seeks industry propos |
Artist’s concept of NASA’s next-generation Lunar Terrain Vehicle on the surface of the Moon. Credit: NASAseeks industry proposals for a Lunar Terrain Vehicle to enhance astronaut exploration and scientific research during Artemis missions on the Moon’s south polar region. The LTV, functioning as a manned and unmanned rover, must handle the unique lunar environment and provide end-to-end services. It’s set to start crewed operations with Artemis V in 2029.
“We want to leverage industry’s knowledge and innovation, combined with NASA’s history of successfully operating rovers, to make the best possible surface rover for our astronaut crews and scientific researchers,” said Lara Kearney, manager of NASA’s Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility program at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.-style uncrewed rover.
Engineers will be able to operate the LTV remotely to transport cargo and scientific payloads between crewed landing sites, enabling additional science returns, resource prospecting, and lunar exploration. This will expand scientific research opportunities on the Moon during uncrewed operations, allow scientists to investigate future surface mission locations, and inform research goals and objectives for each site.
As part of the proposals, companies are required to provide end-to-end services, from development and delivery to the lunar surface, to execution of operations. Each rover must be able to carry two suited astronauts, accommodate a robotic arm or mechanism to support science exploration, and survive the extreme temperatures at the lunar South Pole. The company will be asked to successfully demonstrate the LTV in the lunar environment prior to using it in a crewed capacity.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Meet the lunar rover that will venture to the moon’s south pole | CNNThis week, meet the next generation of lunar rovers, glimpse stunning new photos of the solar surface, encounter colorful new species across Asia, learn about an unusual ancient predator, and more.
Read more »
NASA Forges Ahead in Crucial Test Series: Moon Rocket Engine Hot FireNASA has successfully completed a full-length hot fire test of the RS-25 engine, marking a crucial step in the Artemis missions that aim to return humans to the Moon and ultimately Mars. NASA completed a full-duration hot fire of the RS-25 certification engine on May 23, continuing a critical tes
Read more »
Japan's ispace says Hakuto-R crashed because it got confused by a crater rim | Engadgetispace is done analyzing data from its failed Hakuto-R lunar landing, and it sounds like tricky terrain and a late change in the landing site are to blame..
Read more »
Watch the half moon of May shine by Leo the Lion in the night sky tonightThe lunar face will be half-lit by the light of the sun tonight during a phase called the first quarter moon.
Read more »
How Japan's lander was confused by a crater on the MoonOn April 26, the $90 million Hakuto-R Moon lander should have had a gentle touchdown but it ended up crashing into the moon ultimately leading to its destruction.
Read more »
NASA, Boeing Provide Update on Starliner Flight Test Readiness – Commercial Crew Program
Read more »