Nasa lunar vehicle unveiled and in the Obama parade

**Viking Prince** · January 22, 2009, 04:14 PM

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7845835.stm

Nasa unveiled its latest prototype lunar vehicle at the tail-end of Barack Obama's inauguration parade in Washington DC.

The Lunar Electric Rover was tested in the Arizona desert last October and is run by a plug-in electric Lithium-ion battery.

Nasa is sharing its technology with the US automobile industry.
The strange looking vehicle has plenty of time to wait till being used for its intended purpose, as astronauts are not due to go back to the moon until 2020.

**Wheelchair** · January 22, 2009, 05:04 PM

That's a quirky little vehicle aint it?

Hmm, I would imagine they would equip it with better tires to deal with different types of ground.

**CtrlAltDe1337** · January 22, 2009, 09:27 PM

I think it looks really stupid but will be awsome, especially the slide-in suits. That is the future of space suits, I'm sure.

**Maverick** · January 22, 2009, 10:01 PM

I hope it uses green technology or I'm going to have a difficult time getting behind it.

**CtrlAltDe1337** · January 22, 2009, 10:48 PM

Originally Posted by Maverick

I hope it uses green technology or I'm going to have a difficult time getting behind it.

I prefer white, myself.

**Viking Prince** · January 23, 2009, 09:32 AM

The interesting thing is that it was chosen to be in the parade. Could this be a sign of a Kennedyesque program for renewed manned exploration? But no mention in the address. Maybe I am too hopeful.

btw -- green technology and carbon footprint issues on the moon?

**Old_Scratch** · January 23, 2009, 07:49 PM

I think they're going in the wrong direction with this. The new lunar rover should be made to look like a '71 Barracuda. I mean, what's the point in going to the moon if you don't look badass doing it? Also, the 'Cuda would have a big back seat so they could hook up with any potential green women they might find.

**Nietzsche** · January 25, 2009, 07:32 PM

Originally Posted by Viking Prince

The interesting thing is that it was chosen to be in the parade. Could this be a sign of a Kennedyesque program for renewed manned exploration? But no mention in the address. Maybe I am too hopeful.

btw -- green technology and carbon footprint issues on the moon?

More PR.

I think it is empty symbolism.

It's an attempt to take credit for moving forward when the project has been in the design stages for years. Then again, the Dems are never afraid to throw around other peoples money so NASA can likely look forward to 4 years of increased largesse. Think I'll wait and see what happens with the Virgin shuttle program. I think that is a more positive innovation than sending a couple eggheads to Mars or the Moon.

**Dayman** · January 25, 2009, 11:25 PM

Originally Posted by Nietzsche

More PR.

I think it is empty symbolism.

It's an attempt to take credit for moving forward when the project has been in the design stages for years. Then again, the Dems are never afraid to throw around other peoples money so NASA can likely look forward to 4 years of increased largesse. Think I'll wait and see what happens with the Virgin shuttle program. I think that is a more positive innovation than sending a couple eggheads to Mars or the Moon.

Spoilsport.