—  SpaceX Starship will launch this new private moon rover in 2026 (video) The three private teams will continue developing their rover concepts until next spring. They will then be eligible to compete for a new NASA contract, the winner of which will send its rover to the moon on a test mission ahead of the Artemis 5 flight, which is currently scheduled to launch in 2030. And there will likely be only one winner, at least at first. "NASA anticipates making an award to only one provider for the demonstration," agency officials wrote in an April statement announcing the three selected LTV teams. "NASA will issue additional task orders to provide unpressurized rover capabilities for the agency's moonwalking and scientific exploration needs through 2039." As that statement notes, the LTV will be unpressurized, meaning astronauts who ride in it will need to wear spacesuits. But the new rover must also be capable of autonomous operation, according to the agency. NASA plans to buy LTV services, not the rover itself, just as it purchases cargo and crew missions to the International Space Station from SpaceX and other providers, who retain ownership of the hardware. Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: community@space.com. See all comments (0)