These companies implement development of a Lunar Land Vehicle (LTV) to facilitate astronaut mobility during Artemis missions. This vehicle will enable more efficient scientific research and pave the way for future missions to Mars.
The future lunar rover supplier
The U.S. space agency seeks to capitalize on its extensive experience in managing “lunar and martial rovers,” with the goal of fostering the development of commercial capabilities that will contribute to both scientific discovery and human exploration on the Moon. The LTV prototype is intended to be deployed on manned missions starting with Artemis V explorations.
In other remarks, NASA Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche expressed optimism in the future development of all-terrain lunar rovers for lunar exploration. He also stressed the importance of expanding exploration and scientific data collection capabilities on the Moon.
NASA plans to acquire the LTV through a services contract with industry, based on an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity model, and with a combined maximum potential value of $4.6 billion for all participants. This approach will allow each vendor to demonstrate its viability through preliminary studies and development before selecting a single vendor for a critical demonstration mission.
NASA’s projection and the “lunar land rover”.
The contract calls for the LTV to be equipped to handle the harsh conditions of the lunar South Pole, integrating advanced technologies in power, autonomy, navigation and communication systems. This will facilitate exploration and sample collection, while allowing crews of scientists to reach places previously inaccessible by hiking.
NASA contemplates remote operation of the LTV among the Artemis missions, allowing the continuation of scientific research. This approach offers vendors the opportunity to use the future LTV for commercial purposes, independent of NASA missions.
Jacob Bleacher, a leading NASA scientist, emphasized the LTV’s ability to expand the scope of lunar exploration, enabling unprecedented scientific discoveries. This multifaceted approach ensures that lunar science and exploration can continue year-round, regardless of human presence on the lunar surface.
Images of the operation of the “lunar land vehicle” (LTV). Source: NASA
The vendor selection process seeks to meet the rigorous technical requirements and safety standards established by NASA, thus ensuring the efficient development and operation of the LTV.
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Source: NASA
Photo: shutterstock
