NASA is commissioning vehicles for astronauts to traverse vast distances on the Moon's surface. Three companies have been chosen for this initiative. Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab have been tasked by NASA to develop Lunar Terrain Vehicles (LTVs).
These trio are set to construct lunar rovers for NASA's Artemis Moon Mission, enabling astronauts to conduct far-reaching research on the Moon's surface. These vehicles will be launched with the astronauts during the Artemis-5 mission, targeted for 2029.
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Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, stated that we're on the verge of constructing Artemis Generation Lunar Exploration Vehicles. These vehicles will greatly enhance the capability and reach of astronauts on the Moon. NASA will have these LTVs manufactured by private companies.
Project's $5.2 billion investment
NASA will invest a total of $5.2 billion in three companies for lunar vehicles. All companies will initially create feasibility reports and study for a year before constructing LTVs tailored to NASA's needs. However, only one company's LTV will be sent to the Moon. The other two companies may continue their research or send their vehicles to the Moon via other private agencies.
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One company's vehicle to be selected
It is also possible that NASA might select a vehicle from one of these companies in the future, keeping the others as backup. These LTVs will be remotely operated during the Artemis mission to ensure scalability for commercial activities on the Moon.
LTVs' Multiple Utility Aspects
The LTVs can operate without astronauts, at areas deemed risky or about which little is known, such as the Moon's dark side or craters. In such cases, the LTVs can be sent ahead for reconnaissance before any human visit.
