NASA has chosen Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab to enhance the capabilities of a lunar terrain vehicle (LTV). This vehicle will be used by Artemis astronauts to traverse the lunar surface, conduct scientific research during the agency’s Artemis campaign, and prepare for future human missions to Mars1. The awards build upon NASA’s expertise in developing and operating rovers, aiming to create commercial capabilities that support scientific discovery and long-term human exploration on the Moon.
The LTV will play a crucial role in crewed operations during Artemis V. It will significantly enhance astronauts’ ability to explore and conduct scientific experiments on the lunar surface. Additionally, the LTV will serve as a science platform between crewed missions1.
Here are some key details about this exciting development:
Contract Details:
- NASA will acquire the LTV as a service from industry.
- The Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services contract includes indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, milestone-based firm-fixed-price task orders.
- The combined maximum potential value of all awards under this contract is $4.6 billion.
Feasibility and Demonstration:
- Each provider (Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab) will begin with a feasibility task order.
- The feasibility study will last for one year and focus on developing a system that meets NASA’s requirements.
- Subsequently, NASA will issue a request for task order proposals for a demonstration mission.
- The goal is to continue developing the LTV, deliver it to the Moon’s surface, and validate its performance and safety ahead of Artemis V.
- NASA anticipates making an award to only one provider for the demonstration.
Advanced Technologies:
- The LTV will be equipped to handle the extreme conditions at the Moon’s South Pole.
- It will feature advanced technologies, including:
- Power management
- Autonomous driving
- State-of-the-art communications and navigation systems
This collaborative effort represents a significant step toward advancing lunar exploration and preparing for future human missions beyond the Moon. 🌕🚀