NASA has awarded a $4.6 billion contract to Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab for developing a lunar terrain vehicle (LTV) for Artemis missions.

The first LTV is slated for delivery by September 2029 for the Artemis V mission, with the option for additional LTVs through 2039.

Artemis program aims for a sustained human presence on the Moon, with the first lunar landing planned for 2026 during the Artemis III mission.

The LTV will enable exploration of the Moon's south pole and is designed for autonomy with capabilities for robotic and remote operations.

A working LTV prototype is expected to be tested on the Moon before the first crewed Artemis mission.

NASA is also establishing a new Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC) to standardize time-keeping for lunar operations.

The LTV contract allows for commercial use of the vehicles by the providers in between NASA missions, with services extending to 2039.