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In a significant move to enhance lunar exploration, NASA has enlisted Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab to develop a lunar terrain vehicle (LTV) aimed at expanding the Artemis astronauts' mobility on the Moon. These vehicles are crucial for conducting extensive scientific research and laying groundwork for future manned missions to Mars as part of the agency's Artemis initi by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 04, 2024
In a significant move to enhance lunar exploration, NASA has enlisted Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab to develop a lunar terrain vehicle (LTV) aimed at expanding the Artemis astronauts' mobility on the Moon. These vehicles are crucial for conducting extensive scientific research and laying groundwork for future manned missions to Mars as part of the agency's Artemis initiative.
These partnerships draw on NASA's vast experience in rover development and operations, aiming to bolster commercial capabilities for sustained scientific and exploratory activities on the lunar surface. The plan includes deploying the LTV for manned missions starting with Artemis V.
Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA's Johnson Space Center, highlighted the significance of the Artemis generation lunar exploration vehicle in advancing lunar science and exploration. She pointed out the vehicle's role in increasing astronauts' capability for surface exploration and acting as a mobile science platform between missions.
Under the Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services contract, NASA will procure the LTV as a service, with a potential value of up to $4.6 billion. The initial phase involves a feasibility study leading to a preliminary design, followed by a potential award for a single provider to conduct a demonstration mission. This includes delivering the LTV to the Moon, and testing its performance and safety before Artemis V.
The LTV is designed to withstand the Moon's South Pole's harsh conditions, incorporating cutting-edge power management, autonomous driving, and communication and navigation technologies. It will enable crews to carry scientific equipment and collect samples over distances unachievable on foot, thereby enhancing scientific outcomes.
When not used by Artemis missions, the LTV will support NASA's scientific goals remotely and allow the provider to engage in commercial lunar surface activities. Jacob Bleacher, chief exploration scientist at NASA, emphasized the LTV's role in enabling year-round scientific discovery on the Moon, expanding the potential for exploration and new findings.
Related Links
Artemis at NASA
Mars News and Information at MarsDaily.com
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