AviationNews – NASA has officially selected Venturi Astrolab as one of two primary contractors to develop the next generation of crewed lunar rovers, a critical step in expanding human mobility across the Moon’s South Pole.
The selection, announced on May 26, 2026, marks a pivotal shift in the Artemis campaign as NASA accelerates its timeline for sustainable surface operations. Venturi Astrolab will receive approximately $220 million to finalize the development of the Crewed Lunar Vehicle (CLV-1), a rover derived from its proven FLEX architecture. The company will lead a consortium including Axiom Space, Interlune, and Odyssey Space Research to deliver the hardware. This contract follows a competitive procurement process that emphasizes rapid development, aiming to have the new vehicles ready for lunar deployment as early as 2028.
The CLV-1 is designed for extreme versatility, capable of transporting two astronauts in their pressurized suits while also functioning as an autonomous robotic platform between crewed missions. Measuring approximately four meters in length, the rover is engineered to handle challenging lunar terrain, including 20-degree slopes and the volatile temperature extremes of the South Pole. Its technical backbone—including hyper-deformable wheels, high-performance batteries, and advanced power management systems—has been specifically ruggedized by Venturi Space to withstand the two-week-long lunar nights and the harsh radiation environment of the Moon’s surface.
“We are honored that NASA has selected Astrolab to help provide the surface mobility astronauts will need as the Artemis program returns humanity to the Moon,” said Jaret Matthews, founder and CEO of Venturi Astrolab. “The CLV-1 reflects the adaptability of our FLEX architecture and the years of testing our team has already completed to establish a lasting human presence on the lunar surface.”
With this contract in place, Venturi Astrolab must now race to move from final design to flight-ready hardware within 18 months. As the program progresses, these rovers will become essential assets for the Artemis missions, enabling explorers to venture significantly further from their landing sites to conduct scientific research and prospect for resources. This development represents more than just a vehicle; it is a foundational component of the emerging lunar economy, setting the stage for long-term habitation.
Conclusion
NASA has awarded a $220 million contract to Venturi Astrolab to develop the CLV-1, a dual-purpose crewed and robotic lunar rover. By securing this partnership, the space agency is positioning itself to establish persistent mobility at the Moon’s South Pole before the end of the decade. This milestone signifies a major leap forward in the practical logistics required for sustained human exploration of the lunar environment.
