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Pegasus LTV, Lunar Outpost

CX-2 (two Blue Origin LTV deliveries) · manifested · NASA payload

A lunar terrain vehicle (LTV): an unpressurized rover for two astronauts side by side, which can also be driven autonomously or by teleoperation. NASA calls it a lighter, mission-ready evolution of Lunar Outpost's larger Eagle rover, built to NASA's updated crewed LTV requirements, able to work for up to a year and drive at more than 9 mph. Lunar Outpost says its low profile is inspired by the Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle. NASA buys LTV services; Lunar Outpost builds and owns the rover. A Blue Origin Blue Moon MK1 lander delivers it to the South Pole region in 2028 under CX-2, lowering it with a davit. It counts as a NASA payload here because a NASA task order delivers it for NASA.

PI: Not applicable (a commercial service). Justin Cyrus is Lunar Outpost's CEO and founder.
Built by: Lunar Outpost Inc. (Golden, Colorado), with General Motors, Goodyear and Leidos. MDA Space is in Lunar Outpost's Lunar Dawn team for Eagle but, per SpaceQ, will not supply robotics for Pegasus. (company)
Technology crewed lunar terrain vehicle (unpressurized rover)
Moon Base need FN-M-302 L, FN-M-304 L (NASA names the link: its Moon Base Phases page lists 'Lunar Terrain Vehicles' as a Phase 1 asset and names Pegasus. The Users Guide's Phase 1 mobility target is 'large crewed and uncrewed rovers with speeds of 10 km/hr', and the knowledge base ties the ADD's LTV to functions FN-M-302 L and FN-M-304 L (unpressurized mobility in sunlit areas and in PSRs). Lunar Outpost names site exploration, science, resource prospecting and surface site preparation as uses. The Users Guide names no tech or data gap and no challenge for mobility, so the challenges list is empty. Delivery in 2028 falls in Phase 1.)
Route onto CLPS other NASA; Not a payload call: NASA's Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services contract. On 3 April 2024 NASA picked Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost (then with its 'Lunar Dawn' design) and Venturi Astrolab for year-long feasibility task orders; the contract's combined maximum is $4.6 billion. Under Ignition (2026) NASA revised its approach to buy smaller rovers by 2028, competing a first phase among the three. On 26 May 2026 it chose Lunar Outpost ($220 million) and Astrolab ($219 million) under 'Phase 1 High Achievability Mission' task orders, and gave Blue Origin two CLPS task orders (CX-2) to deliver them. USAspending lists them as CX-2A and CX-2B; neither names its rover.; 2024-04-03 (LTV Services contract); 2026-05-26 (Phase 1 task order and CX-2 delivery)
Timeline first funding 2019 (NASA SBIR for the MAPP rover); 2024-03-28 (LTV Services contract). Lunar Outpost was founded in 2017.; first flight test not in public sources; selected 2026-05-26; launch 2028 (Lunar Outpost aimed to deliver the rover by the end of 2027, per Space.com); landing 2028 (NASA)
On the Moon not yet flown
FO none

Flights before the Moon

  • earlier lunar mission: Lunar Outpost's MAPP rover (Lunar Voyage 1) on Intuitive Machines IM-2 ('Athena'), 2025-02-27 (launch); landed on its side 2025-03-06. The company's first lunar rover, a much smaller robotic one; a predecessor in the company line, not a version of Pegasus. The lander tipped over, so MAPP never deployed or drove. Lunar Outpost says MAPP survived the landing and returned data in transit, in lunar orbit and on the surface. Lunar Outpost says Pegasus uses lessons from MAPP; NASA says Pegasus 'builds on prototype and flight experience'.

"Intuitive Machines landing on its side prevented MAPP's deployment"
— Private mini rover aboard sideways Athena moon lander was ready to roll — but it couldn't get out

"data returned from MAPP's time in transit to the moon, in lunar orbit and on the surface validated a range of systems and components"
— Private mini rover aboard sideways Athena moon lander was ready to roll — but it couldn't get out

"Pegasus leverages technological advancements and operational lessons learned from Lunar Outpost's MAPP (Mobile Autonomous Prospecting Platform) and Owl missions"
— NASA Selects Lunar Outpost to Deliver Next-Gen Crewed Lunar

"builds on prototype and flight experience"
— NASA Provides Update on Moon Base Rovers, Landers, Missions - NASA

Heritage hardware

  • design heritage (Eagle prototype): Pegasus is a lighter, pared-down version of Lunar Outpost's Eagle LTV, and Lunar Outpost says it will help prove critical systems for Eagle. In late 2024, under the feasibility task order, suited NASA astronauts tested an Eagle mockup at NASA Johnson, using the ARGOS gravity-offload rig to mimic lunar gravity for the crew. A full-scale Pegasus prototype exists (SpaceQ photo). All ground tests.

"Lunar Outpost's Pegasus is a lighter, mission‑ready evolution of its Eagle rover designed explicitly to meet NASA's updated crewed LTV requirements"
— NASA Provides Update on Moon Base Rovers, Landers, Missions - NASA

"while helping prove critical systems for the company's Eagle LTV"
— NASA Selects Lunar Outpost to Deliver Next-Gen Crewed Lunar

"NASA astronauts Raja Chari (left) and Randy Bresnik (right) sit inside Lunar Outpost's Eagle lunar terrain vehicle"
— New Commercial Artemis Moon Rovers Undergo Testing at NASA - NASA, 18 Dec 2024

"A full-scale prototype of Lunar Outpost's lunar terrain vehicle named Pegasus."
— NASA outlines iterative Moon Base strategy; Lunar Outpost awarded LTV contract with consortium pa…, photo caption

  • design heritage (Apollo LRV; partners): NASA says Pegasus 'incorporates Apollo-heritage technologies'; Lunar Outpost says its form is inspired by the Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle, and GM is adapting its electric-vehicle technology with space-rated batteries. Wikipedia says the Eagle team brings 'deep spaceflight heritage from the Apollo program' and that batteries and tires are 'already significantly derisked'. Which Apollo-heritage parts Pegasus uses, and how the batteries and tires were derisked, is not stated.

"Pegasus incorporates Apollo‑heritage technologies"
— NASA Provides Update on Moon Base Rovers, Landers, Missions - NASA

"adapting it for the Moon with space-rated batteries is an extraordinary technical challenge"
— NASA Selects Lunar Outpost to Deliver Next-Gen Crewed Lunar, GM Defense

"with critical components like batteries and tires already significantly derisked"
— Wikipedia article "Lunar Outpost (company)", revision 1376145761 of 2026-09-22T09:42:37Z, Eagle LTV section; revision 1376145761

Funding before the lunar flight

  • NASA LTV Services contract (IDV 80JSC024DA021, from 28 March 2024): obligations on the contract itself, which include the 2024 feasibility phase for Lunar Outpost's LTV design. Total from USAspending; its task orders are listed below. The contract's $4.6 billion ceiling is for all awards. (NASA LTV Services (ESDMD; now the Moon Base Program); 2024-2026): $108,277,872

"THE LUNAR TERRAIN VEHICLE (LTV) SERVICES (SERVICES) CONTRACT WILL PROVIDE NASA INCREASED LUNAR SURFACE UNPRESSURIZED MOBILITY FOR SUITED EXTRAVEHICULAR ACTIVITY (EVA) CREW MEMBERS, AND TO TELEROBOTICALLY"
— USAspending.gov, 80JSC024DA021; LUNAR OUTPOST INC; amount 108277872.45; start 2024-03-28

  • LTV Services 'High Achievability Mission' task order for Pegasus (80JSC026FA107, signed 26 May 2026, to May 2031): $121.0 million obligated so far, of $220.0 million with options. Linked by contract and by NASA's $220 million figure. (NASA LTV Services; 2026-2031): $120,998,515

"THE LUNAR TERRAIN VEHICLE SERVICES (LTVS) HIGH ACHIEVABILITY MISSION CAMPAIGN IS A SERIES OF PHASED, MISSION UNIQUE, TASK ORDERS AIMED TO ACCELERATE DELIVERY OF LTV CAPABILITY FOR NEAR TERM LUNAR EXPLORATION."
— USAspending.gov, award 80JSC026FA107, LUNAR OUTPOST INC; obligated 120998515.0; base and all options 219997300.0; signed 2026-05-26

  • Two small LTV Services task orders: a 'pre priced evaluation of NASA mission requirements assessment' (80JSC024FA181, September 2024, $1,145,029.45; this entry) and a special study on carrying logistics on the LTV without crew (80JSC025FA136, July 2025, $397,280). Linked by contract (both under 80JSC024DA021). (NASA LTV Services; 2024-2025): $1,145,029

"PRE PRICED EVALUATION OF NASA MISSION REQUIREMENTS ASSESSMENT"
— USAspending.gov, 80JSC024FA181; amount 1145029.45; start 2024-09-27

"THE SPECIAL STUDY FOR LTVS CAPABILITIES IS INTENDED TO INCREASE NASA UNDERSTANDING THE EXTENT OF CURRENT CAPABILITIES TO SUPPORT THE UNCREWED TRANSFER OF LOGISTICS ITEMS ON THE LTV"
— USAspending.gov, 80JSC025FA136; amount 397280.0; start 2025-07-15

  • NASA SBIR Phase I, 'Cryogenic Thermal Management Systems for Lunar Outpost Mobile Autonomous Prospecting Platform (MAPP) Rover' (agency tracking number 193809, contract 80NSSC19C0598, 2019). Linked by company (UEI XYW2GGS9BKK5) and by title (the MAPP rover, which Lunar Outpost says Pegasus draws lessons from). Whether this thermal work reached Pegasus is not stated; Lunar Outpost says Pegasus has 'advanced thermal management systems'. (NASA SBIR; 2019-2020): $120,964

"Cryogenic Thermal Management Systems for Lunar Outpost Mobile Autonomous Prospecting Platform (MAPP) Rover"
— SBIR.gov award data, 193809 / 80NSSC19C0598; NASA SBIR Phase I; 2019; 120964.0; PI Andrew Gemer

"featuring advanced thermal management systems that equip the vehicle to operate for prolonged periods through extreme temperature swings"
— NASA Selects Lunar Outpost to Deliver Next-Gen Crewed Lunar

  • Other NASA awards to Lunar Outpost are different technologies and not counted as Pegasus funding: an STTR on regolith construction tools with Michigan Tech (222186 / 80NSSC22PB076, Phase I, 2022, $149,328; 222186 / 80NSSC24CA033, Phase II, 2024, $849,992) and the $1 regolith purchase (80NSSC21P0458). Its DOD SBIRs (robotic swarms, manufacturing, logistics) are also not counted. Private money: Lunar Outpost raised a $30 million round to help develop Pegasus (Space.com); no amount from public award data. (not counted (other technologies; private); not in public sources): amount not in public sources

"Design and Implementation Tools for Lunar Surface Regolith Structure Construction"
— SBIR.gov award data, 222186 / 80NSSC24CA033, NASA STTR Phase II, 2024, 849992.0

"the company announced that it has secured $30 million in funding to help it develop a new, smaller rover named Pegasus"
— Lunar Outpost has big plans for the moon. The new Pegasus lunar rover is just the start, Space.com, spring 2026

How it got onto CLPS

"Artist concept of Lunar Outpost's Lunar Dawn lunar terrain vehicle."
— NASA Selects Companies to Advance Moon Mobility for Artemis Missions - NASA, 3 Apr 2024

"has a combined maximum potential value of $4.6 billion for all awards"
— NASA Selects Companies to Advance Moon Mobility for Artemis Missions - NASA

"The first phase will see competition among three current LTV contractors"
— Ignition - NASA

"Awarded under the Phase 1 High Achievability Mission task orders of the Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services contract"
— NASA Provides Update on Moon Base Rovers, Landers, Missions - NASA

"To deliver these rovers to the Moon's South Pole region, NASA awarded Blue Origin $188 million with an option period worth $280.4 million for two task orders"
— NASA Provides Update on Moon Base Rovers, Landers, Missions - NASA

"COMMERCIAL LUNAR PAYLOAD SERVICES (CLPS) CONTRACT TASK ORDER CX-2B"
— USAspending.gov, award 80JSC026F7015, Blue Origin; signed 2026-05-26; obligated 36660000.0 (CX-2A, 80JSC026F7013: 64860000.0)

On the Moon

Manifested for delivery to the South Pole region in 2028 on a Blue Moon MK1 under CX-2; GeekWire shows a NASA and Lunar Outpost illustration of the lander lowering Pegasus with a davit. Over the next 18 months the providers are to finalize designs, run crewed evaluations and qualify flight units. Which CX-2 order carries Pegasus, and which rover lands first, is not stated.

"A davit system on the Blue Moon lander lowers a Lunar Outpost' Pegasus lander to the lunar surface."
— NASA taps Blue Origin to deliver rovers for Moon Base initiative – GeekWire, caption

"Over the next 18 months, the selected providers will finalize rover designs, conduct crewed evaluations, and qualify flight units for operational readiness"
— NASA Provides Update on Moon Base Rovers, Landers, Missions - NASA

FO's role

Grade: none. No FO project names Lunar Outpost, MAPP, Eagle or Pegasus. FO's link is to a payload on Lunar Outpost's rover, not to the rover: FO flew MIT's AstroAnt on parabolic flights, and AstroAnt rode on the MAPP rover on IM-2 (graded 'tested' in im2-astroant). That is another team's payload, so it does not make Pegasus 'related' or 'company-level'; grade: none. The study's remark: the rover's lunar-gravity tests so far are on the ground (ARGOS for crew tasks), and VIPER's mobility work found lunar-weight Earth tests overoptimistic (see bmp2-viper); no source ties that to Pegasus.

"notable infusions and transitions: AstroAnt to the lunar South Pole on the Lunar Outpost MAPP-1 rover"
— FO annual report, FY2023, page 9 summary (FO report)

Who built it

"The development of Pegasus was led by Lunar Outpost, in partnership with General Motors, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, and Leidos."
— NASA Selects Lunar Outpost to Deliver Next-Gen Crewed Lunar, Lunar Outpost, 26 May 2026

"said Justin Cyrus, CEO and Founder of Lunar Outpost"
— NASA Selects Lunar Outpost to Deliver Next-Gen Crewed Lunar

"MDA will not be supplying robotics for Pegasus."
— NASA outlines iterative Moon Base strategy; Lunar Outpost awarded LTV contract with consortium pa…, editor's note

"NASA has awarded Astrolab $219 million and Lunar Outpost $220 million to build and deliver the first phase of LTVs."
— NASA Provides Update on Moon Base Rovers, Landers, Missions - NASA, 26 May 2026

Moon Base need

"# Lunar Terrain Vehicles"
— Moon Base Phases - NASA, Phase 1 section

"Lunar Outpost's Pegasus LTV to the Moon in 2028 under two task orders"
— Moon Base Phases - NASA

""Deployment of large crewed and uncrewed rovers with speeds of 10 km/hr.""
— Moon to Mars knowledge base: Moon Base Phase 1 functional gaps, Users Guide, p. 9

"| FN-M-304 L | Enable local unpressurized surface mobility in PSRs at the south pole region of the lunar surface. |"
— Moon to Mars knowledge base: Moon Base Phase 1 functional gaps

"including site exploration, foundational science operations, resource prospecting, and surface site preparation"
— NASA Selects Lunar Outpost to Deliver Next-Gen Crewed Lunar

"Phase 1 "Now through 2028""
— Moon to Mars knowledge base: Moon Base phases

Open questions

  • What was Lunar Outpost's 'Owl' mission, whose lessons Pegasus draws on? Not in public sources found.
  • Which CX-2 task order (CX-2A or CX-2B) delivers Pegasus, and does it land before or after Astrolab's CLV-1? Not in public sources.
  • Has any Pegasus or Eagle hardware (wheels, Goodyear tires, GM batteries, the davit off-load) been tested in reduced gravity in flight? Public sources show ground tests only.
  • Which 'Apollo-heritage technologies' Pegasus uses: not stated.
  • Is Pegasus meant to enter permanently shadowed regions? Not stated.