NASA has granted a contract worth $188 million to Blue Origin for the development of crew-carrying lunar rovers as part of its efforts to establish a moon base. The agreement includes an additional option worth $280.4 million contingent on the company's performance.
Blue Origin will utilize its Blue Moon Mark 1 lander to transport lunar terrain vehicles (LTVs), which will weigh less than one metric ton and be designed to fit within the lander for transit to the moon. The first rover is expected to arrive on the lunar surface ahead of the Artemis 4 mission, currently slated for 2028.
Two companies are involved in the development of the LTVs. California's Astrolab will build one rover, while Colorado-based Lunar Outpost is creating the Pegasus rover in collaboration with General Motors, Goodyear, and Leidos. Each rover can accommodate two astronauts and travel at speeds up to 10 kilometers per hour (6 mph), with a potential range of 200 kilometers (125 miles) for robotic missions.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman emphasized the importance of partnering with commercial entities to leverage their capabilities in advancing lunar exploration.