Lockheed Martin and General Motors are collaborating to develop an electric autonomous vehicle to take to the moon

Lockheed Martin Aviation and Aerospace Corporation has partnered with General Motors to create a new product together. It is not a land vehicle like GM is used to, nor is it a spacecraft like Lockheed Martin used to. It is a mixture of both concepts, NASA’s electric spacecraft.

Both companies revealed the plans they had to create An autonomous, buggy-like vehicle that allows astronauts to move around the moon More comfortably. For now, it’s a concept and the idea is that it’s ready for NASA to be used on the Artemis mission to the moon.

Independent and designer “long distance”

On Notice Both companies have indicated this The vehicle will use GM autonomous technology and Lockheed Martin space expertise. The buggy is currently in its early stages of development, so there aren’t many details about its size, specifications, or weight for example. The latter is especially important when going to the moon with basically every extra gram that counts.

An interesting point is the autonomy of this car. The companies have indicated that they will be “Designed to travel much greater distances” than the Apollo mission chariots. Decades ago, when the United States arrived with astronauts on the surface of the moon, they also used vehicles to navigate the surface of the satellite. One thing hasn’t changed all this time: They are all-electric cars.

The idea of ​​both companies is for NASA to purchase this vehicle for their future lunar missions. it will be Designed to last and can be used for an extended period of time. This is perfect for NASA’s idea of ​​creating a permanent moon base.

NASA has asked private companies in recent months for ideas for such a vehicle. Among its requirements, is that it is autonomous and that it permits relatively long distances to travel. Likewise, they require that it be fully electric and can Transport of at least two astronauts with their payloads.

Another challenge that you will have to do The face is the lunar environment. Lunar environment with temperatures ranging between 130 ° C and -140 ° C. Not to mention solar radiation and many other factors that must be taken into account when leaving the planet Earth.

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