NASA is actively seeking industry proposals for a next-generation Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) to enhance astronaut exploration during its Artemis missions at the Moon’s south pole, starting with crewed operations in 2029. The LTV will function both as a manned and unmanned rover, allowing astronauts to travel further and conduct extensive scientific research beyond what is possible on foot. Rather than owning the rover, NASA plans to contract with industry partners to leverage their innovation and reduce costs for taxpayers. The LTV will incorporate advanced features to navigate the harsh lunar environment, including systems for power management, semi-autonomous driving, and robust communication.
The rover is required to carry two suited astronauts and support a robotic arm for scientific exploration. It is expected to play a crucial role in pre-crew activities, facilitating cargo transport and scientific payloads on the lunar surface even before human arrival. Proposals for the LTV are due by July 10, 2023, with contracts anticipated to be awarded by November 2023. This initiative forms part of NASA’s broader Artemis program, which aims to send astronauts, including the first woman and the first person of color, to the Moon to lay the groundwork for future crewed missions to Mars.
