Lunar Outpost, a leading innovator in lunar surface mobility, robotics, and space resources, has signed a groundbreaking agreement with SpaceX to launch its Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) aboard a SpaceX Starship. The mission will enable Lunar Outpost to deliver advanced mobility and infrastructure services on the Moon, supporting NASA's Artemis program and paving the way for sustainable commercial operations on the lunar surface and beyond.
Revised design of the Lunar Dawn rover that is being developed for NASA after Lockheed Martin left the team. Credit: Lunar Outpost
The collaboration marks a major milestone in space exploration, leveraging SpaceX's Starship system to transport heavy cargo to the Moon. Lunar Outpost’s LTV, named the Lunar Outpost Eagle, is designed to support NASA astronauts and establish critical infrastructure for sustainable operations on the Moon.
“This partnership is instrumental in accelerating Lunar Outpost’s mission to enable a sustainable human presence in space,” said Justin Cyrus, CEO of Lunar Outpost. “Starship’s unparalleled capabilities give us confidence that we can successfully deliver our Eagle vehicles to the lunar surface.”
The announcement follows significant progress for both companies. Lunar Outpost recently completed human factors testing for the LTV mockup at NASA’s Johnson Space Center and a successful System Requirements Review in September. Meanwhile, SpaceX has achieved multiple Starship launches and demonstrated the successful landing of its Super Heavy booster using the innovative Mechazilla tower system at Starbase, Texas.
The Lunar Outpost Eagle
Developed as part of NASA’s Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services (LTVS) contract, the Lunar Outpost Eagle is a versatile, truck-sized rover engineered to support manned and unmanned missions. It features advanced autonomous navigation and reconfigurable cargo capabilities, making it an essential asset for scientific exploration and infrastructure development on the Moon. Designed for extended operation, even during the harsh lunar night, the Eagle’s mission lifespan ranges from days to years, supporting both governmental and commercial objectives.
Lunar Outpost leads the Eagle’s development through its Lunar Dawn team, collaborating with industry giants including Leidos, MDA Space, Goodyear, and General Motors.
Lunar Outpost’s work extends beyond lunar exploration. With technologies creating oxygen on Mars and multiple rovers set to explore the Moon, the company aims to drive a new era of space resource utilization while delivering benefits back to Earth.
“By enabling interplanetary infrastructure and advancing space resource technologies, we are shaping the future of humanity’s presence in space,” added Cyrus.
This partnership with SpaceX represents a crucial step toward realizing that vision, positioning Lunar Outpost as a key player in the New Space economy.
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