NASA taps team including Michelin for lunar vehicle project

Clermont-Ferrand, France – US space agency NASA has awarded a lunar terrain vehicle feasibility project to the Moon Racer team, of which Michelin is a member.

The study, for phase 1 of the Artemis moon landing project, aims to design a lunar vehicle capable of operating in extreme conditions on the moon for 10 years.

Alongside Michelin, the team headed by Intuitive Machines also includes AVL, Boeing and Northrop Grumman Corp., said the French group in a 25 April statement.

Michelin will contribute its expertise in airless tires and knowledge of materials to design a lunar wheel capable of withstanding extreme temperatures (over 100°C and below -240°C) and solar and galactic radiation.

The wheels will also help preserve the rover’s battery life and provide “maximum traction” on an aggressive, loose soil.

Michelin expects to use experience gained through the project in developments for terrestrial applications.