"Private Companies Racing to Develop Lunar Rovers for NASA's Moon Missions"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by VOA Learning English
NASA has selected three private companies to design lunar explorers as part of its Artemis program, aiming to return astronauts to the moon by 2026. The companies, including Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab, will propose designs for the Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV), with the winning company expected to receive a development contract worth up to $4.6 billion. The LTV will play a crucial role in establishing a longer-term presence on the moon, enabling astronauts to conduct scientific research and prepare for human missions to Mars.