11.11.2024

Earlier this year, Fugro Australia’s Space Automation, AI, and Robotics Control Complex (SpAARC) entered into agreement with US space exploration company Intuitive Machines to support their Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) phase 1 feasibility contract with NASA. Today, the first prototype of their LTV named Moon RACER was unveiled at Space Centre Houston, NASA’s official visitor centre.

As a leader in operating advanced robotics in remote and extreme environments, Fugro is collaborating with Intuitive Machines on the development of the LTV. This effort is part of NASA’s Artemis campaign, exploring the Moon for scientific discovery, technology advancement, and to learn how to live and work on another world as we prepare for human missions to Mars. Fugro’s efforts focus on software architecture, mission planning tools and mission operations for the feasibility assessment, with SpAARC to ultimately serve as a Southern Hemisphere Mission Control hub in Australia.

NASA’s Artemis campaign is collaborating with commercial and international partners to establish the first long-term presence on the Moon. The LTV award leverages NASA’s expertise in developing and operating rovers to build commercial capabilities that support science discovery and long-term human exploration on the Moon.

The Moon RACER LTV is intended to be an advanced exploration rover equipped with autonomous driving, innovative power management, and cutting-edge communications and navigation systems. Designed to operate during both crewed and uncrewed missions, the rover may conduct science, transport cargo, and ensure the safety of crew and equipment. During uncrewed periods, the team expects to operate remotely, maximising scientific returns between astronaut missions.

Sam Forbes, Director of Fugro SpAARC, expressed excitement about the collaboration: “We are proud to partner with Intuitive Machines on the Lunar Terrain Vehicle as part of NASA’s Artemis campaign. This partnership builds on our expertise in remote and autonomous operations, and is an exciting opportunity to demonstrate Fugro’s capabilities in supporting lunar surface operations. It’s a privilege to contribute, alongside Intuitive Machines, to a mission that will significantly expand human reach and scientific research on the Moon.”

Tim Crain, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of Intuitive Machines, highlighted the significance of this next step in their partnership: “It’s a privilege to work alongside Fugro in creating the Lunar Terrain Vehicle. Our ongoing partnership, including SpAARC’s support for our upcoming IM-2 mission to the Lunar South Pole region, is key to achieving our goal of advancing lunar exploration. Fugro’s expertise in remote and autonomous operations is essential to the success of Moon RACER and will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of lunar exploration.”

About Fugro SpAARC

Fugro SpAARC is a world-class facility in Australia that trains, tests and controls remote and autonomous operations in space and other harsh environments, and a world-recognised commercial facility for innovation, security and collaboration. It is housed within Fugro Australia’s world-leading remote operations centre in Perth Western Australia and is set to improve mission operations in Australia’s space industry by creating a scalable and accessible operating standard.

Quelle: Fugro