March 29, 2024

Progress on NASA’s New Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) Moon Rover

Artists representation of a lunar terrain vehicle on the surface area of the Moon. Credit: NASA
Debuting during the Apollo objectives, this iconic style of unpressurized, human-class rover is a cornerstone in NASAs plans to establish a long-lasting existence on the lunar surface area. While those human-driven lorries broadened lunar exploration capabilities considerably, the brand-new Artemis LTV will feature multiple upgrades and advanced innovation.
Due to the fact that Artemis objectives will be targeting the lunar South Pole location, the new LTV needs to be able to run and endure in special and cold lighting conditions. The Artemis LTV is also anticipated to be able to cover a series of numerous miles annually, enabling access to varied areas that will facilitate science discoveries, resource prospecting, and expedition. When not bring out NASA research study and operations, it will likewise be capable of remote operation and will be offered for other business uses.
By contracting services from industry partners, NASA has the ability to take advantage of business innovation and offer the best worth to U.S. taxpayers while accomplishing its human spaceflight and exploration goals. The agreement will support continued science and long-lasting human exploration at the Moon under Artemis, which will land the first female and first person of color on the lunar surface.
Find out more about this new approach to lunar surface exploration and NASAs plans to contract for LTV services at:
https://www.nasa.gov/jsc/procurement/ltv

NASA astronaut kneeling in from on the new Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) on the surface area of the moon. Credit: NASA
During Artemis missions, as NASA astronauts check out the South Pole area of the Moon, they will be able to go further and perform more science than ever before using a new Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV). Rather of owning the car, NASA prepares to contract it from the economic sector as a service.
NASA will accept feedback up until December 1 on the draft demand for proposals for the LTV Services (LTVS) agreement, which is now ready for market to examine. The draft lays out NASAs expectation for use of the LTV on the lunar surface in the 2028 timeframe. After taking market feedback into account, NASA plans to release a last ask for propositions by early 2023.
Lara Kearney is the manager of the Extravehicular Activity (EVA) and Human Surface Mobility (HSM) Program at NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston. “This draft is one of the very first important steps in this exciting project that will allow astronauts to check out farther on the Moon than ever in the past,” states Kearney. “Gaining market feedback is crucial as we move forward in issuing a last request for proposition.”

NASA will accept feedback till December 1 on the draft demand for propositions for the LTV Services (LTVS) agreement, which is now all set for market to review. The draft describes NASAs expectation for usage of the LTV on the lunar surface in the 2028 timeframe. Lara Kearney is the supervisor of the Extravehicular Activity (EVA) and Human Surface Mobility (HSM) Program at NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston. It will likewise be capable of remote operation and will be readily available for other business uses when not bring out NASA research study and operations.