Video shows NASA lunar vehicle on streets of D.C.

William Atkins
Friday, 23 January 2009 23:47

Science - Space

According to the Tech.Blorge.com article “Next Lunar Rover rides in Inaugural Parade,” “NASA bought a former GM [General Motors] EV1 inductive charger from eBay to charge the Chariot’s batteries."

It adds, "Although GM did its best to destroy all evidence that the EV1 had once existed, at least one part slipped through the crushers jaws."

The EV1, by General Motors (GM), was the first modern production electric vehicle from a major automaker.

The Tech-Blorge.com story adds, "With NASA’s planned return to the Moon by 2020, the Chariot will still go through a few modifications before it is expected to function as 'an all-terrain exploration vehicle, a backhoe, a bulldozer and a ‘mini-Winnebago’.'"

And, "The final version of the rover isn’t expected to be constructed until 2017-2018."

It concludes by saying, "Who knows, by then NASA might be able to purchase more sophisticated braking and charging systems from places other than eBay."

Additional information on NASA's next-generation Lunar Electric Rover is found on its website.