Lunar Roving Vehicle
The Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) is a lightweight electric vehicle developed by NASA for astronaut transportation on the Moon’s surface. It was used during the last three Apollo missions – 15, 16, and 17 in 1971-1972.
The LRV was a true technical achievement. Its mass was about 210 kg, but due to the Moon’s low gravity, it weighed only around 35 kg there.
The lunar rover had an aluminum frame, four independent wheels with metal tires, four DC motors (one for each wheel), and a steering system. It was powered by silver-zinc batteries, which allowed it to reach speeds of up to 13 km/h and navigate the uneven lunar terrain.
Additionally, the lunar rovers were equipped with a color television camera featuring a 6x zoom lens and an electric drive for horizontal and vertical movement, as well as focal length adjustment. This allowed the camera to be controlled not only by the astronauts but also remotely by an operator on Earth. This greatly expanded filming capabilities, enabling, among other things, the recording of the lunar module’s liftoff from the Moon.
The LRV significantly enhanced the astronauts’ ability to explore the Moon. It enabled them to travel considerable distances from the landing site, allowing for the collection of more soil and rock samples. In total, the three rovers covered more than 90 km across the lunar surface.
In the presented image, NASA astronaut Eugene Cernan (commander of the Apollo 17 mission) approaches the Lunar Roving Vehicle used during the mission.
After the Apollo missions, the lunar rovers were left on the Moon.
P.S. Image attribution: NASA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons