NASA has selected three companies to design the next generation of lunar rover. The companies are Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab.
The new rovers will be used by astronauts to explore the lunar surface. They will be more capable than the current rovers, and they will be able to travel further and carry more cargo.
The companies will each have 12 months to design a rover. NASA will then select one of the designs to be built and used on the moon.
Intuitive Machines
Intuitive Machines is a Houston-based company that has developed a rover called the Nova. The Nova is a lightweight, all-electric rover that can travel up to 100 miles on a single charge.
Lunar Outpost
Lunar Outpost is a Colorado-based company that has developed a rover called the M1. The M1 is a heavy-duty rover that can carry up to 2,000 pounds of cargo.
Venturi Astrolab
Venturi Astrolab is a French company that has developed a rover called the Astrolab. The Astrolab is a solar-powered rover that can travel up to 60 miles on a single day.
The Next Generation of Moon Exploration
The new rovers are part of NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the moon by 2025. The rovers will be used to explore the lunar surface and to support the construction of a permanent lunar base.
The selection of these three companies is a major step forward for the Artemis program. It is a sign that NASA is committed to returning to the moon and to exploring the lunar surface in more detail than ever before.