NASA partners with three companies to develop lunar rover for Artemis missions

NASA has selected Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab to develop a lunar terrain rover for the Artemis missions, with potential funding of $4.6 billion over 13 years.

These vehicles will help explore the moon's south pole, where frozen water is thought to be located.

The companies will design Lunar Terrain Vehicles (LTVs) capable of accommodating two astronauts and operating autonomously. This includes the ability for remote operation when astronauts are not on the Moon.

Intuitive Machines, known for its recent lunar landing success, will contribute its expertise to this ambitious project.

Artemis aims to establish a sustainable human presence near the Moon, with Artemis III now set for September 2026, advancing NASA's goal of preparing for crewed missions to Mars.