NASA is accelerating lunar rover development to support its Moon Base. New vehicles will explore the lunar South Pole, transport astronauts and search for resources
WASHINGTON: NASA has announced fresh progress in developing robotic and crewed lunar rovers that will support its planned Moon Base near the lunar South Pole.
In an update released on October 20, 2026, the US space agency outlined advancements in rover testing, astronaut transportation and lunar surface exploration.
The vehicles will help NASA map terrain, conduct scientific experiments and identify resources before astronauts arrive.
New lunar rovers under development
NASA has selected Astrolab and Lunar Outpost to develop Lunar Terrain Vehicles (LTVs).
Astrolab is developing its CLV-1 rover, while Lunar Outpost is working on Pegasus.
Both companies are testing vehicle designs, mobility systems and astronaut interfaces.
NASA expects flight-ready hardware by the end of 2027, with lunar delivery targeted for 2028.
The vehicles will initially operate remotely from Earth, travelling up to six kilometres daily.
Once astronauts arrive, they will use the rovers to explore the lunar surface and collect geological samples.
Each vehicle can carry up to 80 kilograms of equipment and samples, travelling approximately 10 kilometres on one battery charge.
NASA’s VIPER rover targets lunar water
NASA is also preparing its Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) for a 2027 mission.
VIPER will explore permanently shadowed craters near the lunar South Pole to search for water ice.
The rover will travel more than 30 kilometres, collecting data about surface temperatures, lighting and terrain conditions.
Scientists hope the findings will help determine how lunar resources could support long-term human operations.
Impact to expect
The rover programme could accelerate NASA’s plans to establish a permanent lunar presence.
Improved mobility will help astronauts explore larger areas, identify resources and prepare infrastructure.
NASA also expects these technologies to support future human missions to Mars.
