GM and Lockheed Martin Compete for NASA Lunar Vehicle Contract

A New Lunar Rover is in Development

During the Apollo missions, astronauts utilized a comparatively basic, battery-operated vehicle for lunar surface traversal. As NASA prepares for a return to crewed lunar exploration, plans are underway to significantly enhance the capabilities of the next-generation lunar rover.

Collaboration Between Lockheed Martin and General Motors

Lockheed Martin and General Motors jointly announced on Wednesday their collaborative effort to engineer an advanced lunar vehicle. This new rover is designed to surpass its predecessor in both speed and operational range.

Should their proposal be chosen by NASA, this rover will be instrumental in the forthcoming Artemis missions. An initial uncrewed test flight is currently slated for November.

Executives revealed during a media briefing that the formal request for proposals is anticipated to be released in either the third or fourth quarter of the current year. NASA will then proceed with contract award following a thorough evaluation of all submissions.

Limitations of the Previous Lunar Rover

The earlier lunar rover’s limited range – less than five miles from the Apollo landing sites – restricted astronauts’ capacity to gather crucial data from diverse lunar regions, such as the north and south poles.

Considering the moon’s circumference of approximately 7,000 miles, this limitation was substantial. Lockheed Martin’s Vice President for Lunar Exploration, Kirk Shireman, emphasized the aim to improve these specifications.

However, the precise materials, range, and overall capabilities of the new rover are still under determination.

Autonomous Driving and Technological Investment

General Motors is also spearheading the development of an autonomous driving system for the rover. This system is expected to bolster safety and enhance astronauts’ ability to collect samples and perform scientific investigations.

GM is dedicating over $27 billion to electric and autonomous vehicle technologies by 2025, with the intention of applying this research to the lunar rover project. Jeffrey Ryder, VP of growth and strategy at GM Defense, stated the company is actively exploring how to integrate these capabilities into Artemis program missions.

Furthermore, GM will leverage its terrestrial research in battery and propulsion systems to inform the rover’s development. Ryder also anticipates that the rover program will unlock additional commercial opportunities.

Previous Contributions and Future Initiatives

Both companies possess a history of providing technology for NASA missions, including previous lunar endeavors. GM played a key role in the Apollo program, contributing the chassis, wheels, guidance, and navigational systems for the original lunar rover.

Lockheed Martin’s expertise encompasses the construction of spacecraft and power systems, which have been incorporated into every NASA mission to Mars.

The companies characterized this project as “one of several initiatives” they are pursuing together, with further announcements regarding additional collaborations expected in the future.