GM and Lockheed Martin to develop next lunar rover for astronauts
To facilitate lunar exploration and conduct experiments, NASA has asked the private sector to develop various types of rovers, as space exploration vehicles are known. GM noted in a statement that together with the military and aerospace contractor Lockheed Martin they will develop the Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV), «the first of many types of surface mobility vehicles required for NASA’s Artemis program.»
Astronauts and companies
Alan Wexler, GM’s Vice President for Innovation, explained that «General Motors made history by applying cutting-edge technology and engineering to support the Lunar Rover Vehicle that the Apollo 15 astronauts drove on the Moon.» «Together with Lockheed Martin, and their expertise in deep space exploration, we plan to once again support American astronauts on the Moon,» added Wexler.
GM manufactured, tested and integrated the inertial guidance and navigation systems of the Apollo program that in 1969 placed, for the first time in history, a human being on the Moon. GM also assisted in the development of the Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV), including the chassis and wheels used on the Apollo 15, 16 and 17 rover. The LRV, which reached a top speed of around 10 kilometers per hour. , was produced by Boeing.
Characteristics
But unlike the LRV, which only had to travel 7.6 kilometers from the Apollo moon landing site, the new LTV will be designed to cover greater distances, including the first trips to the south pole of the Moon, perhaps the place most inhospitable of the satellite due to its low temperatures and uneven terrain.
GM said «autonomous self-driving systems will allow rovers to prepare for human arrivals, provide commercial cargo transportation services, and improve the range and usefulness of scientific shipments and experiments.» EFE News
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