Pressurized Rover
The pressurized rover will greatly expand our ability to explore, conduct science research, and live and work on the lunar surface by providing a home for astronauts away from the base camp for extended periods of time.
The pressurized rover will help us maximize our science returns.
By having a pressurized volume to live in, astronauts can live and work in the vehicle to conduct exploration and scientific activities as they transit significantly longer distances across the lunar terrain in this mobile habitat. NASA is in the early stages of development and forming partnerships to realize a pressurized rover. The use cases and utilization scenarios are ever increasing – formulating concepts and evaluating potential science and exploration rover missions around the South Pole region of the Moon.
Quick Facts
The pressurized rover will have the ability to be operated remotely, which will allow for positioning the rover at the next crew landing site, as well as enabling science research between crewed missions.
By being able to live and work in the pressurized rover, crews will be able to work longer and more efficiently as they travel significantly longer distances across the lunar terrain in this mobile habitat than would be possible during moonwalks from the base camp.
Outfitted with robotics, cameras, sensors, and scientific instruments, the pressurized rover will be a mobile laboratory for exploration activities across large areas of the lunar surface during both crewed and uncrewed missions.
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