HOUSTON - The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced it played host to a trio of commercial lunar rovers at its Johnson Space Center in Houston. The lunar terrain vehicles (LTV) tested came from Intuitive Machines in Houston, Lunar Outpost in Arvada, Colo., and Venturi Astrolab in Hawthorne, Calif.
NASA announced that each company provided the agency with a static mockup of their LTVs at the end of September, with the first round of testing being completed in December. Tests took place in the agency's Active Response Gravity Offload System (ARGOS) test facility.
NASA engineers conducted tests where suited astronauts and engineers performed tasks, maneuvers, and emergency drills on the rovers. These human-in-the-loop tests provided feedback on design functionality, controls, and safety. Astronauts evaluated the vehicles’ displays and interfaces, helping identify design improvements. This feedback was shared with commercial developers to refine their rover designs based on real-world insights.
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"We are excited to have mockups from all three LTV commercial providers here at Johnson Space Center," said Steve Munday, LTV project manager. "This is the first major test milestone within the Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services contract and to have actual rovers delivered only four months after these companies were awarded is remarkable."
NASA astronauts and engineers tested two spacesuit prototypes - the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) and Axiom Space’s lunar spacesuit - during evaluations focused on crew interactions with Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) mockups.
Using NASA’s prototype suit, crew members were suspended in the ARGOS system to simulate the Moon's reduced gravity. This setup allowed them to perform tasks such as handling lunar tools, deploying scientific instruments, and managing cargo as if they were on the lunar surface.
With Axiom Space’s pressurized suit, testing focused on the ease of mobility during rover entry and exit, assessing the crew compartment layout, and evaluating how well astronauts could operate display interfaces and controls while wearing thick gloves.
Emergency rescue scenarios were also tested, simulating the recovery of an incapacitated astronaut. Each rover design is required to enable single-person rescue operations, ensuring compliance with NASA’s safety standards.
Jamie Whitney
Jamie Whitney joined the staff of Military & Aerospace Electronics and Intelligent Aerospace. He brings seven years of print newspaper experience to the aerospace and defense electronics industry.
Whitney oversees editorial content for the Intelligent Aerospace Website, as well as produce news and features for Military & Aerospace Electronics, attend industry events, produce Webcasts, oversee print production of Military & Aerospace Electronics, and expand the Intelligent Aerospace and Military & Aerospace Electronics franchises with new and innovative content.
