NASA October 20 update explain different jobs for rovers wey go support the planned Moon Base. Some vehicles go search for resources, others go carry astronauts or map ground by remote control. The programme still dey develop, and some pictures inside the announcement na illustrations of future operations.
VIPER robot rover dey designed to investigate water and other substances wey fit turn gas near Moon south pole. NASA say dem don build am and final testing dey continue, with mission planned for 2027. The measurements go help scientists understand where resources dey and conditions wey future surface work fit face.
Vehicles wey astronauts go enter na separate part of the programme. NASA give Astrolab and Lunar Outpost work for lunar terrain vehicles, with target to deliver dem before crewed surface missions. Before astronauts arrive, operators for Earth go drive the vehicles remotely to collect maps and experience of how dem work.
Testing no stop for whether rover fit move. Astronauts wearing mock spacesuits or pressurised suits don assess layout, controls and comfort. Vehicle fit look fine inside drawing but still need space for bulky equipment, limited movement and all the practical steps to enter, drive and come out safely.
The two companies also dey prepare wheel and soil tests for NASA Glenn Research Center. Moon environment combine loose ground, serious cold and heat, changing light and limited power. Earth tests help engineers compare designs, but simulated ground no fit reproduce every condition wey real lunar mission go encounter.
NASA timetable list targets, including more design reviews and delivery of flight hardware. E no mean astronauts don already get these vehicles working for Moon. The main development na movement from concepts and mock-ups toward machines wey dem don test, with resource exploration and transport for people serving different needs.