NASA unveils moon version of RV

Have you ever dreamed of traveling across the surface of the moon in a fully self-contained, pressurized RV all while weighing six times less than you do on Earth? This dream is soon to be a reality for astronauts.

President Biden recently unveiled a groundbreaking collaboration with Japan, announcing an unprecedented agreement to develop a cutting-edge pressurized moon rover dubbed the “mobile habitat.”

According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), both countries have inked a significant pact.

Lunar RV

Japan, in partnership with Toyota and Hyundai, is spearheading the creation of a sizable lunar “recreational vehicle” (RV). Under a freshly minted accord between NASA and Japan’s government, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) will spearhead the “design, development, and operation” of a sealed vehicle tailored for both crewed and uncrewed lunar excursions. NASA will supervise the launch and deployment, while Japanese astronauts will partake in two surface exploration missions aboard the vehicle.

The pressurized RV from Japan marks a substantial leap forward for lunar exploration. As reported by Space.com, Japan has dedicated the past few years to crafting such a vehicle alongside Toyota and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Last year, Toyota presented initial specifications for the RV, boasting dimensions akin to two minibuses parked side-by-side: nearly 20 feet long, 17 feet wide, and 12.5 feet tall. The cabin will accommodate two astronauts comfortably, with room for four in emergencies.

Similar to traversing the country boondocking in an RV, this rover aims to cater to its occupants’ needs for up to 30 days at a stretch. Astronauts can even shed their bulky spacesuits and move freely within the vehicle, albeit experiencing approximately 16.6% of Earth’s gravity. Last week, NASA disclosed it had shortlisted three companies for its new Artemis Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV), which, unlike Japan’s rover, will lack pressurization.

“Mobile habitat”

Describing it as “a mobile habitat,” NASA Administrator Nelson, alongside Minister Moriyama, characterized the vehicle during an April 10 press briefing as “a lunar lab, a lunar home, and a lunar explorer”—a haven where astronauts can reside, work, and traverse the lunar surface.

Like the forthcoming Lunar Terrain Vehicle, Japan’s RV can be operated remotely in the absence of astronauts and is slated to remain operational for a decade following delivery.

Nelson remarked, “The pursuit of space exploration is led by nations that venture into the cosmos openly, peacefully, and collaboratively… America will no longer journey to the moon in isolation.”

To date, a total of 12 astronauts—all American men—have set foot on the moon. When the U.S. embarks on the Artemis missions with NASA, it will mark the first instance of a woman and a person of color landing on the lunar surface.

Future Artemis missions

Following some schedule adjustments, NASA aims to send its Artemis II astronauts on a circumlunar journey in late 2025. Artemis III will witness the first human landing in over five decades, slated for late 2026 or early 2027. As for the Artemis IV mission, it is tentatively scheduled for no earlier than 2030. Meanwhile, China is striving to land its astronauts on the lunar surface by 2030.

For a glimpse of Nelson’s remarks at the Artemis Lunar Surface Exploration press conference, watch the clip here.

You can access the full report from NASA here.

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