As humans plan for a visit to the lunar surface in the next five years, it’s fascinating to think about astronauts exploring the moon for the first time since the 1970s.
This time around, there are far more private companies involved in the technology of space travel, and the Artemis moon missions are no different.
Lunar Outpost, a group including Lockheed Martin, General Motors, Goodyear, and MDA Space have combined to create the Lunar Dawn LTV, or Lunar Terrain Vehicle.
It’s a large and maneuverable craft with a cabin, much bigger than the simple moon rovers launched in the later Apollo missions. The cab-over design also has a multi-use bed and multi-use arm, perfect for conducting experiments on the lunar surface.
Distinct, mesh wheels from Goodyear are reminiscent of the original moon rover design, and allow for easy travel on the soft surface.
The rover will be able to be controlled fully autonomously, or by astronauts onboard. It will also be fully functional even when the moon’s surface reaches -280 degrees Fahrenheit.
“The Lunar Dawn LTV will give Artemis astronauts a safe and extraordinary mobile experience on the Moon, allowing accessibility across the lunar surface like never before.
The vehicle will be able to operate crewed or uncrewed, with completely autonomous navigation and operation, and includes a reconfigurable cargo bed that will be able to load and carry numerous types of payloads thanks to its robust robotic arm.”
-Lunar Outpost
NASA’s Artemis missions will be launching in the next two years, with expectation that this lunar rover will make it to the moon’s surface in the late 2020s or early 2030s.
Learn more about the Lunar Terrain Vehicle on the Lunar Outpost website.
“A part of the Artemis program, the next-generation Lunar Terrain Vehicle will allow lunar explorers to conduct experiments and investigations far from the landing site.
The electric rover uses a cab-over design to give explorers a commanding view and a reconfigurable cargo bed with a robotic arm allows for hauling various equipment.
The LTV will be able to operate autonomously with or without astronauts, reducing risk during the Moon’s two-week-long nights with temperatures down to -280 degrees Fahrenheit.”
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1 Comment
Cool. It’s said that it took us so long to go back to the moon.