Space and Tech
Title: NASA Selects Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab to Drive Lunar Mobility for Artemis Missions
NASA selects Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab to advance lunar mobility for Artemis missions. Lunar terrain vehicle development begins! 🚀🌕 #NASA #Artemis #MoonExploration
Last Updated on December 21, 2024 by Daily News Staff
NASA’s Artemis program is set to make history by returning humans to the Moon and paving the way for future missions to Mars. In a significant step towards this ambitious goal, NASA has chosen three companies – Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab – to advance the development of a lunar terrain vehicle (LTV). This vehicle will enable astronauts to traverse the lunar surface, conduct scientific research, and prepare for upcoming Artemis missions.
Advancing Lunar Exploration:
The selection of Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab underscores NASA’s commitment to leverage private-sector expertise to enhance lunar capabilities. By partnering with these companies, NASA aims to combine its own rovers’ development experience with commercial innovation, ultimately advancing scientific discovery and long-term human exploration on the Moon.
Key Milestones and Contract Details:
The Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services contract, with a combined maximum value of $4.6 billion, will be delivered to the selected companies as a service from the industry. Each provider will start with a one-year feasibility study to develop a system that meets NASA’s requirements. This study will be followed by a task order proposal, where eligible providers will showcase a demonstration mission to test the LTV’s performance and safety ahead of Artemis V.
Features and Capabilities:
The LTV will be purpose-built to withstand the extreme conditions at the Moon’s South Pole, offering advanced technologies such as power management, autonomous driving, and state-of-the-art communication and navigation systems. Its capabilities will enable astronauts to explore, transport scientific equipment, and collect lunar surface samples. The LTV’s extended range will significantly enhance scientific returns by allowing astronauts to access locations that would be unreachable on foot alone.
A Partnership for Science and Discovery:
Aside from the Artemis missions, the LTV will continue operating remotely to support NASA’s scientific objectives on the Moon. During these periods, the provider will also have the opportunity to utilize the LTV for commercial lunar activities unrelated to NASA missions. This public-private partnership demonstrates NASA’s commitment to expanding lunar exploration beyond government-funded initiatives.
Looking Towards the Future:
Through the Artemis program, NASA plans to send astronauts, including the first woman and the first person of color, to explore the Moon. This undertaking aims to unlock scientific discoveries, drive technological advancements, create economic benefits, and lay the groundwork for future crewed missions to Mars. Alongside advanced rovers, the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft, as well as commercial human landing systems, the LTV serves as a cornerstone for NASA’s ambitious deep space exploration plans.
By strategically partnering with Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab, NASA is taking significant steps towards the realization of its Artemis program objectives. The development of the lunar terrain vehicle will empower astronauts to explore and conduct vital scientific research on the Moon’s surface, paving the way for humanity’s continued exploration of space. With these advancements, NASA is propelling us towards a future where humankind will make remarkable discoveries and eventually set foot on Mars.
NASA
Learn more about NASA’s Artemis campaign at:
What is the Artemis Program?
The Artemis program, led by NASA, is a program dedicated to exploring the Moon. It was established in 2017 through Space Policy Directive 1. The program aims to establish a human presence on the Moon for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972. The long-term goal of the program is to establish a permanent base on the Moon, which will facilitate human missions to Mars.
The Artemis program has two main components that were originally part of the now-cancelled Constellation program: the Orion spacecraft and the Space Launch System, which is a reincarnation of Ares V. Other parts of the program, such as the development of the Lunar Gateway space station and the Human Landing System, are being carried out by both government space agencies and private spaceflight companies. The Artemis Accords and governmental contracts bind all these efforts together in a collaborative effort.
Artemis is a spaceflight program that involves the Space Launch System, Orion spacecraft, and the Human Landing System. The Lunar Gateway is also part of the program and supports human habitation. Additionally, there are supporting infrastructures such as Commercial Lunar Payload Services, VIPER rover, development of ground infrastructure, Artemis Base Camp on the Moon, Moon rovers, and spacesuits. However, some aspects of the program have been criticized, such as the use of the near-rectilinear halo orbit and the sustainability of the space program.
Orion’s first launch on the Space Launch System was originally scheduled for 2016. However, it was rescheduled and finally launched on 16th November 2022 as the Artemis 1 mission. The spacecraft carried robots and mannequins onboard. Artemis 2, the next crewed mission, is planned to launch in late 2025. Artemis 3, which will involve a crewed lunar landing, is scheduled for 2026. The Artemis 4 mission will involve docking with the Lunar Gateway in 2028. After that, yearly landings on the Moon are planned. (Wikipedia)
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Last Updated on February 10, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Valerie Thomas is a true pioneer in the world of science and technology. A NASA engineer and physicist, she is best known for inventing the illusion transmitter, a groundbreaking device that creates 3D images using concave mirrors. This invention laid the foundation for modern 3D imaging and virtual reality technologies.
Beyond her inventions, Thomas broke barriers as an African American woman in STEM, mentoring countless young scientists and advocating for diversity in science and engineering. Her work at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center helped advance satellite technology and data visualization, making her contributions both innovative and enduring.
In our latest short video, we highlight Valerie Thomas’ remarkable journey—from her early passion for science to her groundbreaking work at NASA. Watch and be inspired by a true STEM pioneer whose legacy continues to shape the future of space and technology.
🎥 Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/P5XTgpcAoHw
Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
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🧠 Forgotten Genius Fridays
A Short-Form Series from The Knowledge by STM Daily News
Every Friday, STM Daily News shines a light on brilliant minds history overlooked.
Forgotten Genius Fridays is a weekly collection of short videos and articles dedicated to inventors, innovators, scientists, and creators whose impact changed the world—but whose names were often left out of the textbooks.
From life-saving inventions and cultural breakthroughs to game-changing ideas buried by bias, our series digs up the truth behind the minds that mattered.
Each episode of The Knowledge runs 30–90 seconds, designed for curious minds on the go—perfect for YouTube Shorts, TikTok, Reels, and quick reads.
Because remembering these stories isn’t just about the past—it’s about restoring credit where it’s long overdue.
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Beneath the Waves: The Global Push to Build Undersea Railways
Undersea railways are transforming transportation, turning oceans from barriers into gateways. Proven by tunnels like the Channel and Seikan, these innovations offer cleaner, reliable connections for passengers and freight. Ongoing projects in China and Europe, alongside future proposals, signal a new era of global mobility beneath the waves.
For most of modern history, oceans have acted as natural barriers—dividing nations, slowing trade, and shaping how cities grow. But beneath the waves, a quiet transportation revolution is underway. Infrastructure once limited by geography is now being reimagined through undersea railways.
Undersea rail tunnels—like the Channel Tunnel and Japan’s Seikan Tunnel—proved decades ago that trains could reliably travel beneath the ocean floor. Today, new projects are expanding that vision even further.
Around the world, engineers and governments are investing in undersea railways—tunnels that allow high-speed trains to travel beneath oceans and seas. Once considered science fiction, these projects are now operational, under construction, or actively being planned.
Undersea Rail Is Already a Reality
Japan’s Seikan Tunnel and the Channel Tunnel between the United Kingdom and France proved decades ago that undersea railways are not only possible, but reliable. These tunnels carry passengers and freight beneath the sea every day, reshaping regional connectivity.
Undersea railways are cleaner than short-haul flights, more resilient than bridges, and capable of lasting more than a century. As climate pressures and congestion increase, rail beneath the sea is emerging as a practical solution for future mobility.
What’s Being Built Right Now
China is currently constructing the Jintang Undersea Railway Tunnel as part of the Ningbo–Zhoushan high-speed rail line, while Europe’s Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link will soon connect Denmark and Germany beneath the Baltic Sea. These projects highlight how transportation and technology are converging to solve modern mobility challenges.
The Mega-Projects Still on the Drawing Board
Looking ahead, proposals such as the Helsinki–Tallinn Tunnel and the long-studied Strait of Gibraltar rail tunnel could reshape global affairs by linking regions—and even continents—once separated by water.
Why Undersea Rail Matters
The future of transportation may not rise above the ocean—but run quietly beneath it.
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Space and Tech
Blue Origin Launches First Human Spaceflight of 2026 with New Shepard NS-38
Blue Origin successfully completed its first human spaceflight of 2026 with New Shepard NS-38, carrying six private astronauts and marking 98 humans flown to space.
Blue Origin has officially kicked off its 2026 flight calendar, successfully completing the 38th mission of its New Shepard program and further solidifying its role in commercial human spaceflight.
The suborbital flight, known as NS-38, carried six private astronauts beyond the Kármán line, offering several minutes of weightlessness and sweeping views of Earth before a safe return to West Texas. The mission marks the first New Shepard launch of 2026 and another milestone for Blue Origin’s reusable spaceflight system.
Why I Want to Take the Train from Phoenix to Los Angeles – STM Daily News Podcast
The NS-38 Crew
The six-person crew aboard NS-38 included:
- Tim Drexler
- Dr. Linda Edwards
- Alain Fernandez
- Alberto Gutiérrez
- Jim Hendren
- Dr. Laura Stiles
With this flight, New Shepard has now flown 98 humans into space, representing 92 individual passengers. The growing total reflects Blue Origin’s emphasis on routine, repeatable access to space—once considered experimental, now becoming operational.
A Reliable Start to 2026
Blue Origin leadership emphasized reliability and customer trust as central priorities moving into the new year.
“As we enter 2026, we’re focused on continuing to deliver transformational experiences for our customers through the proven capability and reliability of New Shepard,” said Phil Joyce, Senior Vice President of New Shepard. “We are grateful for our astronaut customers who put their trust in our team to bring this experience into reality.”
The fully reusable New Shepard rocket and capsule system has demonstrated strong safety performance, autonomous operations, and consistent recovery—key elements in scaling human spaceflight.
Building Toward a Larger Vision
Beyond space tourism, New Shepard plays a foundational role in Blue Origin’s long-term goal of enabling millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth.
As the company’s first operational human spaceflight system, New Shepard supports:
- Reusable launch vehicle testing
- Human-rated safety system validation
- Increased launch cadence and manufacturing expertise
- Future Blue Origin programs and missions
Each successful flight expands operational confidence while helping normalize commercial access to space.
What’s Next for Aspiring Astronauts
Blue Origin continues to accept interest from future New Shepard passengers, with additional flights expected throughout 2026. The company also released commemorative merchandise from the NS-38 mission, now available through the Blue Origin Shop.
As commercial spaceflight matures, missions like NS-38 highlight the industry’s shift from novelty to normalcy—bringing space closer to scientists, explorers, and private citizens alike.
Related Articles & Information
- Blue Origin – New Shepard Program Overview
Official overview of Blue Origin’s reusable suborbital rocket and human spaceflight system. - Blue Origin – Human Spaceflight Missions
Details on past and upcoming crewed New Shepard missions. - NASA: Humans in Space
NASA’s overview of human spaceflight history and current programs. - Commercial Spaceflight: How Private Companies Are Changing Access to Space
STM Daily News coverage of the growing space tourism and commercial launch industry. - Reusable Rockets Explained: Why They Matter
An explainer on reusable rocket technology and its impact on space exploration.
For more updates, insights, and in-depth coverage of space exploration and commercial spaceflight, visit the STM Daily News blog at stmdailynews.com. From mission breakdowns to industry trends and technology explainers, STM Daily News keeps you informed about humanity’s journey beyond Earth.
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