Lockheed-GM Develops 'Artemis' Lunar Exploration Vehicle

Photo by TechCrunch

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Lockheed Martin and General Motors (GM) are collaborating to develop a lunar surface exploration vehicle for NASA's 'Artemis' project.

According to major foreign media including TechCrunch on the 26th (local time), Lockheed Martin announced in a statement that it is partnering with GM to develop the next-generation Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV).

Richard Ambrose, Vice President of Lockheed Martin, explained, "It will be designed to traverse considerable distances to support the first exploration of the Moon's south pole."

GM plans to invest $27 billion in electric and autonomous vehicle development by 2025 and intends to apply this research to the Artemis project.

The Artemis project aims to achieve a manned lunar landing by 2024, marking the first time in over 50 years since 1972.

Earlier this year, NASA sent official letters to various companies stating the need for a human-occupied lunar rover to be used in the Artemis project.

They stipulated that the lunar rover must utilize cutting-edge technologies such as electric vehicle systems, autonomous driving, and the ability to navigate hazardous terrain.

GM has prior experience manufacturing lunar rovers as a major subcontractor for Boeing during the Apollo missions.

At that time, NASA's lunar rover could travel at speeds of 6 miles per hour (approximately 9.6 km/h) but was limited to operating within a 5-mile radius of the Apollo landing site.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.