DAILY INNOVATION BRIEF by Maryanne Kane, Journalist
DAILY INNOVATION BRIEF
By Journalists Edward Kane & Maryanne Kane
NASA'S NEXT MOON CAR MAY HAVE AN EARTHLY EV BATTERY
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Source: Lunar Outpost, Venturi Astrolab, Intuitive Machines
- NASA just awarded contracts to 3 companies to develop the next lunar rover - 1 company plans to use GM EV batteries to power it. Here are some key facts:
- NASA has awarded $4.6 billion to Lunar Outpost, Intuitive Machines and Venturi Astrolab to design the next-G Moon car for astronauts
- Lunar Outpost plans to use GM EV battery tech, that power GM's electric vehicle models here on Earth, to power their vehicle on the Moon
- Lunar Outpost is leading its Lunar Dawn Moon vehicle team that includes GM, Lockheed Martin, Goodyear and MDA Space
- The lunar terrain vehicle (LTV) will include autonomous navigation, a reconfigurable cargo bed, a robotic arm and the ability to operate in extreme temperatures
- Lockheed Martin will help produce the vehicle
- GM will provide the battery and help design the chassis and suspension
- Goodyear is creating special tires
- MDA Space is creating the robotic arm and interface
- As you can see in the images, Venturi Astrolab and Intuitive Machines are also developing cutting-edge LTVs
- The selected LTVs will be used by Artemis V astronauts in the 2030 mission to the Moon.
NORTHRUP GRUMMAN'S UNDERWATER CREWLESS VEHICLE
- Aerospace & defense giant Northrup Grumman has created an underwater, self-driving vehicle. Here's what you need to know:
- Called the Manta Ray after the incredible warm water fish with "wings"
- Large, autonomous glider drone
- Operates long duration, long range, deep dive
- No need of human logistics
- Payload capable undersea missions
- Totally unmanned
- Built through DARPA
- Has key technologies for long duration, long range, payload capable for a new class of UUVs (uncrewed, underwater vehicles)
- Could become a critical component of subsea warfare
- Also contains an undersea energy harvesting technique and a low power, high efficiency propulsion system.
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