By Urban Koi – Space Systems Engineering, Johns Hopkins University

NASA is sticking to its strategy of selecting a single company to develop the Artemis lunar rover, Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV), despite recent challenges in other programs. This decision comes as part of the agency’s broader efforts to advance its lunar exploration goals under the Artemis program.

Recently, NASA awarded feasibility study contracts to three companies: Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab. These contracts are intended to explore the design and capabilities of the LTV. However, instead of choosing multiple providers, NASA plans to select just one company to build and demonstrate the rover on the Moon.

The decision to go with a single provider is primarily driven by budget constraints. While having multiple providers would enhance competition and reduce risk, the current financial landscape has led NASA to adopt a more streamlined approach for the LTV program. This means that the chosen company will not only develop the rover for NASA’s missions but will also have the opportunity to rent it out to other customers when it’s not in use by the agency.

As NASA continues to push forward with its Artemis missions, the decision to select a single provider for the lunar rover reflects both the challenges and opportunities in space exploration. By focusing its resources, NASA aims to ensure the successful deployment of the LTV, paving the way for future lunar missions.

Cybersecurity Implications

Budget constraints make balancing cost, schedule, and risk extremely challenging, including cybersecurity. It’s important to note that NASA isn’t completely ignoring cybersecurity. They have taken some steps such as issuing guidance and including cybersecurity elements in some contracts. However, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report suggests that NASA’s current approach may lead to inconsistent implementation of cybersecurity controls and leaves spacecraft potentially vulnerable to cyber threats.

NASA expressed concerns that, “transitioning traditional cybersecurity capabilities into a space environment requires careful consideration to avoid impacts to the spacecraft’s objectives and the ability to operate safely.” This indicates a hesitation to implement changes that might affect existing operations. Budget limitations are often a big factor in government agencies’ decisions about administering new systems or policies. As the space industry continues to expand, it will be interesting to see how NASA adapts.

Source: NASA Retaining Plans to Select a Single Artemis Lunar Rover | SpaceNews