Object Details
Manufacturer
Boeing Company
Summary
The Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) was a four-wheeled, battery powered "dune buggy" taken to the moon on Apollo missions 15, 16, and 17. This particular unit was used on Earth as a Vibration Test Unit. The LRV was stowed on the descent stage of the Lunar Module and deployed upon arrival at the lunar surface. Actually a "wheeled spacecraft", it was operated with a spacecraft "stick" rather than a steering wheel, and could move forward and backwards. The design included a communications antenna and a television camera. Each wheel had a 1/4-horsepower electric motor. The LRV could reach speeds of up to 12 miles per hour and carry 1000 pounds (2 astronauts and their equipment.)
This lunar rover was transferred to the Smithsonian Institution from NASA in 1975.
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Inventory Number
A19750837000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
SPACECRAFT-Crewed-Test Vehicles
Materials
Aluminum chassis, zinc-coated piano wire wheels, fiberglass fenders, canvas, nylon, brass
Dimensions
Overall: 48 in. tall x 60 in. wide x 96 in. long, 980 lb. (121.92 x 152.4 x 243.84cm, 444.5kg)
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19750837000