Verdict: Best Rims in Outer Space

NASA Lunar Chariot Tested by NYT Earthling (Verdict: Best Rims in Outer Space)

http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2008/03/Lunar%20NASA%202%20GI.jpg

NASA's Lunar Chariot, which costs a reported $2 million to build, has just been tested by the NYT. The top speed of 15 mph may not set tarmac on fire, but it sure as hell can burn a truckload of astro stuff, all with it's six-wheeled wackiness trailing closely behind. The front driving "turret" houses the primary control; a joystick for steering, as well as various cameras and sensors, the feedback of which is relayed to the onboard screen. John Schwartz, the NYT reporter sent out to run the test, didn't get to drive the buggy itself, but he was offered the passenger's seat / stand, and here's what he made of it.

http://gizmodo.com/373860/nasa-lunar-chariot-tested-by-nyt-earthling-verdict-best-rims-in-outer-space

I didn't think we even had plans on going back to the moon. (tf hat on) If we even went there in the first place. (tf hat off) I guess it would be a good place to get Helium3 though, and you could make a nuclear power station that would produce tons more energy, and last longer with H3.

There are vague plans on using the moon as a kind of "pit stop", for an eventual manned trip to Mars. But I don't know how realistic those plans are.

At any rate, couldn't they have designed this so the poor astronaut has a seat at least?

Hmm, oddly interesting. Six wheels, all wheel drive, all wheel steering. Sounds like an engineering nightmare. Obviously electric drive but wow I wonder how far it will go on a single charge.