NASA Begins Assembly of Its First Lunar Rover
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is in the process of assembling its first ever lunar rover.
Specifications & features
The new rover, named «Viper,» is a six-wheeled, robotic space explorer that will traverse the Moon’s surface. The rover will measure approximately 11 feet long, 12 feet wide, and 6 feet tall, and weigh in at around 300 kilograms.
Viper will be equipped with a suite of onboard instruments, including a robotic arm, a high-resolution camera and spectrometer, a long-range terrain mapping camera, and an array of scientific monitors and sensors. The instrument package will enable Viper to carry out various tasks and experiments on the Moon.
Goals of the Mission
NASA plans to use the rover to map and explore the lunar surface, collect data to gain a better understanding of the Moon’s geology and environment, and to search for signs of natural resources such as water ice. Additionally, the rover could be used to scout out potential landing sites on the Moon.
Assembling the Rover
NASA has started assembling the rover in its Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Technicians and engineers have already started putting together the frame of the rover and will soon start the process of adding its electronic components.
In the coming months, NASA scientists and engineers will continue to test and calibrate the rover’s systems and components. Once the rover is fully assembled, it will undergo extensive field tests over the course of several weeks.
Future Plans
Once the rover is put through its tests and deemed ready for launch, NASA plans to send the spacecraft to the Moon aboard a commercial launch vehicle, such as SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. The rover will be accompanied by payloads and experiments from several private companies and universities.
The ultimate goal of the mission is to have the rover explore and gather data from the lunar surface to help future astronauts and missions have a better understanding of the Moon’s environment and resources.
This project is a testament to NASA’s commitment and ambition to explore the Moon and beyond. The assembly of the rover is a critical milestone in the mission and it is very exciting to see this mission move forward.
We can’t wait to see what Viper discovers on the Moon!
