The LTV, part of NASA's Artemis campaign, will be the first human-driven rover on the lunar surface in over five decades. Designed to carry two astronauts or operate remotely, the vehicle is intended to support broad-scale science objectives and extend surface exploration capabilities across the Moon's south polar region.
"The Artemis Lunar Terrain Vehicle will transport humanity farther than ever before across the lunar frontier on an epic journey of scientific exploration and discovery," said Nicky Fox, associate administrator of NASA's Science Mission Directorate. "By combining the best of human and robotic exploration, the science instruments selected for the LTV will make discoveries that inform us about Earth's nearest neighbor as well as benefit the health and safety of our astronauts and spacecraft on the Moon."
One of the selected instruments, the Artemis Infrared Reflectance and Emission Spectrometer (AIRES), will identify and map lunar minerals and volatiles-elements that vaporize easily, such as water and ammonia. Led by Phil Christensen at Arizona State University, the AIRES team will overlay spectral data onto visual images to examine both detailed features and panoramic terrain.
The second instrument, the Lunar Microwave Active-Passive Spectrometer (L-MAPS), combines spectrometry with ground-penetrating radar to analyze the Moon's subsurface. Capable of probing more than 131 feet (40 meters) below the surface, L-MAPS will investigate underground structures, thermal characteristics, and potential ice deposits. The project is headed by Matthew Siegler from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Together, these instruments will provide complementary datasets that will reveal surface composition, potential ice reserves, and changes to the Moon's environment over time-critical information for human activity and long-term exploration.
NASA also selected the Ultra-Compact Imaging Spectrometer for the Moon (UCIS-Moon) for a future orbital deployment. Developed under the leadership of Abigail Fraeman at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, UCIS-Moon will deliver high-resolution imaging of surface water, mineral content, and thermophysical properties. The instrument's global perspective will offer regional context to LTV findings and guide astronaut sampling efforts.
"Together, these three scientific instruments will make significant progress in answering key questions about what minerals and volatiles are present on and under the surface of the Moon," said Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for Exploration at NASA's Science Mission Directorate. "With these instruments riding on the LTV and in orbit, we will be able to characterize the surface not only where astronauts explore, but also across the south polar region of the Moon, offering exciting opportunities for scientific discovery and exploration for years to come."
NASA has completed preliminary design reviews with LTV vendors-Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab-to confirm that the proposed rover designs align with mission requirements. A selection for the LTV demonstration mission is expected by the end of 2025.
Through Artemis, NASA aims to address priority science goals through direct human exploration and robotic assets, with the long-term objective of preparing for crewed missions to Mars.
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