The group will serve as industry experts advising the team's efforts for the NASA-awarded Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services contract
27 August 2024
Lunar Outpost announced it has established the Lunar Dawn Science Council, naming Arizona State University (ASU) School of Earth and Space Exploration as the lead research organization. The Lunar Dawn team, led by Lunar Outpost, was awarded a Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services (LTVS) contract by NASA in April 2024 and is leading the way by implementing an experienced Science Council to maximize the scientific return of the Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV). This group of vetted, academic and industry professionals will provide input and guidance from the lunar science community to enhance the quality of science generated from the LTV through the 10+ years of operational life on the lunar surface.
With Lunar Outpost as the prime contractor, the Lunar Dawn team is currently designing an LTV that will enable Artemis Astronauts to expand exploration of the lunar surface, conduct extensive scientific research during NASA’s Artemis campaign at the Moon, and prepare for human missions to Mars. When the LTV is not being utilized by NASA, the Lunar Dawn team will pursue a variety of commercial missions with support from the Science Council. During these missions, the Science Council will establish key science objectives, provide feedback to enhance vehicle science capabilities, recommend investigation targets, and interpret terrain and instrument data for the LTV throughout the LTV missions. The Science Council includes a global coalition of distinguished partners from the United States and other Artemis Accords signatory nations with ASU playing an important role in the organization and operation of the Council.
“It will take the best and brightest minds to create not only the first, but most scientifically viable off-road vehicle for living and working on the Moon's surface. ASU’s dedication to unlocking new scientific frontiers and extensive global reach make them a natural leader of the Science Council,” said AJ Gemer, CTO and co-founder of Lunar Outpost. “Drawing on the expertise of these individuals will ensure the greatest scientific and exploration potential as we develop our LTV with unparalleled technical capabilities.”
ASU’s leadership of the Science Council is supported by the university’s Space Technology and Science Initiative (ASU/NewSpace), Milo Space Science Institute (MILO) and Digital Discovery Initiative (DDI). MILO makes space exploration accessible to countries around the world to transform the way we think about engaging in space exploration and innovative business models that reduce the cost of entry. DDI is a strategic initiative focused on utilizing advanced digital technologies and data analytics to support and enhance lunar research. ASU/NewSpace continues to expand ASU’s mutually beneficial engineering, business, and scientific relationships with the commercial space industry. The Science Council will aim to improve the quality and accessibility of lunar mission data to foster international collaboration, STEM education engagement, and innovation in lunar science and exploration.
“The integration of academic and commercial space enterprises is critical to making space exploration accessible to all. We believe our core strengths in space science, engineering, education, and outreach compliment the exceptional work from the Lunar Dawn team,” said Jim Bell, professor and director of ASU’s NewSpace and chair of the Lunar Dawn Science Council. “We are thrilled to lead this Science Council and work with the team as they create this innovative and industry leading Lunar Terrain Vehicle.”
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