NASA picks two firms to build lunar rovers for planned moon base

Hawthorne, California — NASA selected two companies to build the first lunar rovers for a planned moon base near the lunar south pole.

Astrolab, based in Hawthorne, is developing a vehicle called FLEX. The final design will resemble a four-wheel-drive electric vehicle that can operate on its own or carry two astronauts and supplies. It is intended to function for a year and cover hundreds of miles on the lunar surface.

"The lunar terrain vehicles have to be a mash-up of the Apollo Lunar Rover to carry two suited astronauts, as well as something more modern like the Perseverance Rover on Mars, and can be operated remotely from Earth," said Jaret Matthews, Astrolab's CEO and founder.

NASA also chose Colorado-based Lunar Outpost to build a rover named Pegasus. The agency is paying each company about $220 million for the work.

NASA announced its $20 billion plans for the moon base on Tuesday. Two days later, a Blue Origin New Glenn rocket exploded during a test at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Blue Origin is developing a lunar lander that would deliver the rovers to the surface. It remains unclear how large a setback the explosion will be.

Lunar Outpost CEO Justin Cyrus said the company sees commercial opportunities beyond NASA. "NASA wants to be one of many customers," he said. "NASA doesn't want to be the only customer. And the only way you can do that is creating a vehicle that is truly capable enough to allow for new activities on the lunar surface."