Moon RACER achieves autonomous navigation milestone on lunar terrain vehicle

The achievement comes just over a year after the Moon RACER team received NASA's Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services (LTVS) feasibility assessment contract. This recent milestone reflects the team's rapid progress in integrating advanced navigation systems, including a LiDAR-based perception suite, into the vehicle.

"There are long stretches when astronauts are not present on the Moon and we believe autonomous driving is key to continuous science research and commercial activity," said Intuitive Machines LTV Lead Gary Spexarth. "This capability allows the vehicle to work for other customers to conduct surveys, transport cargo, scout terrain, and collect valuable data between Artemis missions, increasing the value of every lunar mission, even when no one is around."

The Moon RACER now employs scanning LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) to autonomously interpret its environment. By emitting light pulses and analyzing their return, the system constructs a point cloud-a detailed 3D map comprised of millions of dots-that enables the vehicle to perceive its surroundings much like echolocation, but using light.

This success builds upon a year of technical and operational milestones. Since NASA awarded the LTVS feasibility contract in April 2024, Intuitive Machines has completed a static full-scale mock-up and a Crew Assessment Test and Safety Phase I with lunar veterans like Apollo astronauts Charlie Duke and Harrison Schmitt. These early evaluations provided key insights from the only humans to drive on the Moon.

In November 2024, the team tested the vehicle at Meteor Crater National Landmark, using the terrestrial site to simulate lunar conditions and stress-test its robotic systems. Human-in-the-loop trials followed in December at NASA's Johnson Space Center, where astronauts in pressurized suits assessed Moon RACER's controls and safety systems under realistic mission parameters.

Most recently, the team conducted Crew Assessment Test and Safety Phase II, showcasing the upgraded Moon RACER to NASA astronauts who may one day operate the vehicle on the lunar surface.

Intuitive Machines remains one of three contenders for the next stage of the LTV program, the delivery and demonstration mission, with NASA expected to announce its decision by the end of 2025.

Research Report:Moon RACER Activates Self-Driving Mode for Lunar Exploration