NASA calls on U.S. companies to develop innovative cargo and mobility solutions for future lunar missions.
NASA has issued a request for proposals from U.S. industry, seeking innovative solutions for landing and moving cargo on the lunar surface as part of the Artemis program. Released in September, this initiative supports NASA’s broader Moon to Mars objectives.
The call for proposals, titled Lunar Logistics and Mobility Studies, builds on earlier white papers that outlined gaps in lunar logistics and mobility. NASA’s goal is to collaborate with industry to address these needs, particularly for cargo like food, water, and spare parts, essential for future missions to the lunar South Pole.
The agency is also exploring mobility solutions for moving landed cargo across the Moon’s surface, anticipating a need for vehicles capable of transporting up to 13,000 pounds. Current lunar mobility assets, like the Lunar Terrain Vehicle, can only handle smaller loads.
Through this proposal, NASA aims to develop a more extensive lunar exploration infrastructure with the help of commercial partners.
