Three teams are competing for a crewed lunar rover demonstration mission under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative. These teams are led by Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab, each working on their versions of the Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV), which will be driven by Artemis astronauts in the moon’s southern polar region starting from 2030.
Intuitive Machines
Intuitive Machines, a Houston-based aerospace company, is developing the IM-1 rover, which features advanced mobility systems and the capability to handle rough terrain. The IM-1 will be equipped with science instruments and a robotic arm to assist astronauts in their exploration activities.
Lunar Outpost
Lunar Outpost, a Colorado-based space technology company, is working on the Lunar Prospector rover. This vehicle will be designed to traverse the rugged lunar landscape and support a variety of scientific investigations, including mapping the distribution of resources and identifying potential landing sites for future missions.
Venturi Astrolab
Venturi Astrolab, a partnership between Venturi Mobility and Astrolab, is developing the FLEX rover. This modular and reconfigurable platform will be capable of carrying both crew and cargo, allowing for greater flexibility in mission planning and execution.