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The trio will develop their team\u2019s ideas for a Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) to help astronauts explore the Moon\u2019s south polar region. It\u2019s believed the area contains frozen water, so it makes sense for NASA to set up base camp<\/a> there. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n All three must design vehicles that can accommodate two suited astronauts and handle the area\u2019s extreme conditions. They also must feature robotic, remote operation capabilities so NASA can continue to perform tests and explore even when astronauts aren\u2019t on the Moon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The next step for them is to undertake \u201ca feasibility task order, which will be a year-long special study to develop a system that meets NASA\u2019s requirements through the preliminary design maturity project phase.\u201d Then, NASA will request a proposal for a demonstration mission to continue development, deliver their LTV to the Moon\u2019s surface, then validate performance and safety before the Artemis V mission.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cWe will use the LTV to travel to locations we might not otherwise be able to reach on foot, increasing our ability to explore and make new scientific discoveries,\u201d said<\/a> Jacob Bleacher, chief exploration scientist in the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. \u201cWith the Artemis crewed missions, and during remote operations when there is not a crew on the surface, we are enabling science and discovery on the Moon year-round.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Intuitive Machines recently made headlines<\/a> after becoming the first private aerospace company to land a spacecraft on the Moon. It was also the first lunar lander from the US to reach the Moon\u2019s surface in over 50 years, albeit on its side<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n NASA\u2019s Artemis program aims to create a sustainable presence near the Moon ahead of its larger goal of one day preparing for human missions to Mars. The initiative was launched after former Vice President Mike Pence challenged NASA to put people on the Moon by 2024. Since then, the Artemis II mission has been pushed<\/a> to September 2025, with the landing mission, Artemis III, now planned for September 2026.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n