New Delhi: NASA has selected Astrolab as one of two providers to develop a deliver a crewed lunar rover for the Artemis programme, as part of accelerated
plans to deploy lunar hardware in support of the US Moon Base. Lunar Outpost is also providing another Moon Buggy. The task order, valued at about $219 million, is aimed at establishing sustained surface mobility infrastructure at the lunar south pole. The deployment is anticipated by 2028. The award follows the introduction of NASA’s Ignition initiative, which accelerated the timelines for setting up the Moon Base, and called for smaller crewed rovers. In response, Astrolab modified its existing FLEX rover architecture to create the Crewed Lunar Vehicle (CLV-1). Unlike previous configurations designed for external payloads, CLV-1 focuses strictly on transporting astronauts and essential supplies.
The vehicle features a maximum mass of 950 kilograms with a top speed of 10 kilometres per hour on level ground. For transport aboard a Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) lander, the buggy is compressed to two metres in length, 2.3 metres in width and 2.2 metres in height. Once deployed, the rover extends to four metres in length, but retaining its width, with a height of 2.6 metres to the top of the deployable antenna. Specific surface operations are also possible through remote control. Astrolab is executing the project along with Axiom Space, Interlune and Odyssey Space Research.
A number of commercial space companies collaborating on the LTV
The rover utilises specialised tires, battery and management systems developed by Venturi Space. Axiom Space is integrating its upcoming Extravehicular Mobility Unit spacesuits with the vehicle, ensuring compatibility with the rover’s display, control interfaces and tool storage through pressurised crew testing. The task order is part of a broader $4.6 billion indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract awarded in 2024, allowing companies to compete for orders over a 13-year period. This commercial framework mirrors NASA’s long-term infrastructure strategy, which relies on specialised private contractors to provide interconnected communication, data relay and navigation services for sustained lunar operations.
Jaret Matthews, founder and CEO of Astrolab said, “We’re honored that NASA has selected Astrolab to help provide the surface mobility astronauts will need as the Artemis program returns humanity to the Moon. CLV-1 reflects the adaptability of our FLEX architecture and the years of testing our team has already completed. We look forward to putting that work to use for Artemis astronauts and helping establish a lasting human presence on the Moon.” Senior VP of spacecraft development at Axiom Space, Russel Ralston said, “Axiom Space is proud to support Astrolab and NASA as we return astronauts to the lunar surface for the first time in more than 50 years. Our EVA team brings deep experience in spacesuit integration, crew displays and controls, tool design, operations and human systems engineering to help ensure the Crewed Lunar Vehicle (CLV-1) can support astronauts when they conduct science and exploration on the Moon.”
Steve Altemus, CEO of Intuitive Machines said, “Through NASA’s Near Space Network Services contract, Intuitive Machines is progressing its lunar data, communications, and navigation services for missions operating on and around the Moon. NASA has stated that lunar relay services are expected to support LTV, human landing systems, and CLPS flights, the same mission set that will define the next phase of lunar surface operations.Intuitive Machines intends to work with selected LTV providers on interoperability so their vehicles can thrive within our lunar communications and navigation architecture. We believe that’s how the commercial sector should come together as specialized providers building complementary capabilities that NASA can purchase as single integrated service.”
