Wiktor Wise
NASA has been working on electric vehicles for space exploration and for use on Earth. The Space Exploration Vehicle (SEV) is a modular vehicle concept developed by NASA from 2008 to 2015 for planetary surface exploration and open space missions. NASA has also been working on small spacecraft electric propulsion systems, in collaboration with U.S. industry, to enable spacecraft to reach the Moon, Mars, and beyond. In addition, NASA has taken an interest in battery-powered vehicles for use on Earth, encouraging the development and use of Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of power | Electric, battery-powered, lithium-ion battery |
| Size | Small electric propulsion thrusters that can fit in the palm of a hand |
| Capabilities | Propel a small spacecraft from Earth to the Moon, Mars, and beyond |
| Speed | N/A |
| Range | N/A |
| Weight | Lightweight |
| Other features | 360-degree pivoting wheels, pressurized cabin, zero-emission, small bathroom with privacy curtains and a shower head, workbench areas, and crew seats that can fold back into beds |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
NASA's transition to a Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) fleet
NASA has shown a keen interest in battery-powered vehicles and is actively supporting the government's goal of transitioning to a Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) fleet. The space agency is committed to installing Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) and replacing fossil fuel-powered vehicles with ZEVs. This transition aligns with the global shift towards decarbonizing road transport and meeting climate goals outlined in the Paris Agreement.
NASA's ZEV strategy includes both NASA-owned and General Services Administration (GSA)-leased vehicles. As of 2023, only about 15% of their current fleet is composed of ZEVs. To accelerate the transition, NASA has taken several steps, including initial fleet assessments and setting targets for ZEV acquisitions. They have also entered into agreements with companies like Hybrid Technologies Inc. and Canoo Technologies Inc. to test and adopt zero-emission vehicles.
Hybrid Technologies Inc., a manufacturer of lithium-ion battery-powered electric vehicles, supplied a fleet of cars for engineers at the Kennedy Space Center to test. In return, the company gained access to NASA's engineering expertise and transportation around the facility. This collaboration resulted in the debut of the EV MINI Cooper, which boasts a range of 120 miles at 75 miles per hour and is powered by a 30kWh battery pack.
Additionally, in July 2023, Canoo Technologies Inc. delivered three fully electric and environmentally friendly crew transportation vehicles for Artemis missions to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. These vehicles will carry astronauts to Launch Complex 39B for upcoming Artemis missions. NASA's primary focus is now on developing contracts to install EVSE across its centers.
The transition to ZEVs is a significant undertaking, requiring a shift in perceptions and addressing challenges related to vehicle availability and charging infrastructure. However, with the support of government initiatives and collaborations with private companies, NASA is actively contributing to the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a more sustainable future.
The Future of Electric Vehicles: Will Lithium Supply Last?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Lunar Electric Rover (LER)
NASA's Lunar Electric Rover, or LER, is a significant upgrade to the agency's previous moon rovers. The LER is designed to navigate the moon's challenging terrain with ease, including its hills and craters, thanks to its rotating wheels that enable forward, backward, and sideways movement. One of its standout features is its pressurised cabin, which allows astronauts to work and travel comfortably without their cumbersome spacesuits. If they need to exit the vehicle, they can quickly don their spacesuits through suitports at the back of the rover, a process that takes about 10 minutes. This capability significantly enhances the scope of lunar exploration.
The LER's interior offers a spacious environment, with comfortable chairs that can be converted into beds for sleeping. It also includes bathroom and shower facilities, enabling future moon explorers to embark on extended missions lasting several weeks. In contrast, missions with the Apollo rover were limited to less than four and a half hours. The LER's durability surpasses that of its predecessors, and its rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, similar to those in hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius, eliminate the need for single-use designs.
The LER's unique design replaces the back section with two outdoor suitports and a Chariot Style Aft Driving Station. It features a moderately large docking hatch, though it does not have the capability to align and dock with habitation modules. The LER can accommodate four passengers and store up to 11 samples simultaneously. Its size is comparable to that of a pickup truck, and it is designed to navigate and operate effectively in the lunar environment.
The LER underwent field testing in an unpressurized rover (UPR) configuration, where it was driven standing up with spacesuits locked into turrets. The LER's versatility, comfort, and extended capabilities represent a significant advancement in lunar exploration, providing a more efficient and comfortable platform for astronauts to work and explore the moon's surface.
Electric Vehicle Sales: A Slowdown or Temporary Pause?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Multi-Mission Space Exploration Vehicle (MMSEV)
NASA has shown a keen interest in electric vehicles, as evidenced by its encouragement of the development of battery-powered vehicles and its support of the government's goal of transitioning to a Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) fleet. This interest extends to their space exploration initiatives, with the development of the Multi-Mission Space Exploration Vehicle (MMSEV).
The MMSEV is a modular spacecraft/rover concept developed by NASA, also known as the Space Exploration Vehicle (SEV). The SEV was developed from 2008 to 2015 as part of the Advanced Explorations Systems Program, with a budget of $152.9 million for FY 2010. The vehicle is about the size of a small pickup truck and has 12 wheels, capable of driving in any direction with its 360-degree pivoting wheels. It can house two astronauts for up to two weeks and can support up to four in an emergency.
One of the key features of the MMSEV is its versatility. It can be mated with a wheeled chassis to form a rover for planetary surface exploration, such as on the Moon. Alternatively, it can be attached to a flying platform for open space missions, such as servicing satellites or exploring near-Earth asteroids. The MMSEV also allows for the attachment of various tools, including cranes, cable reels, backhoes, and winches, enhancing its capabilities for exploration and research.
The MMSEV provides a convenient and efficient way for astronauts to enter and exit the vehicle. They can do so directly from an airlock docking hatch or through a suitport without the need to depressurize the habitat module. This feature streamlines the process of entering and exiting the vehicle, making it safer and more efficient for astronauts to conduct their missions.
In summary, the Multi-Mission Space Exploration Vehicle (MMSEV) is a versatile and innovative spacecraft/rover concept developed by NASA. It offers a range of capabilities for space exploration, from planetary surface exploration to open space missions. With its modular design, tool attachments, and convenient entry/exit system, the MMSEV enhances NASA's capabilities for future space missions and contributes to their ongoing exploration of our solar system.
Electric Vehicles: Developing Countries' Implementation Strategies
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The NASA Official Fleet Management Handbook
The handbook's recommendations are based on NASA's own experience with electric vehicles. The Kennedy Space Center, for instance, entered into a Space Act Agreement with Hybrid Technologies Inc. to test a fleet of lithium-powered vehicles. In exchange, the company gained access to the center's engineering expertise and was able to use zero-emission vehicles for transportation around the facility. This collaboration demonstrated NASA's commitment to promoting electric vehicle technology and its practical applications.
Furthermore, NASA's collaboration with Hybrid Technologies Inc. has resulted in the development of various electric vehicles, including the EV version of the MINI Cooper, which boasts a range of 120 miles at 75 miles per hour. Hybrid Technologies has also introduced the LiV series, which includes electric cars, motorcycles, utility vehicles, and even a military vehicle. These offerings demonstrate NASA's contribution to the advancement and accessibility of electric vehicles, making them more appealing to a wider range of consumers.
In summary, the NASA Official Fleet Management Handbook provides guidance and encouragement for the adoption of alternative-fuelled vehicles, specifically electric vehicles. Through its own initiatives and collaborations, NASA is actively contributing to the development and promotion of electric vehicle technology, supporting both environmental sustainability and technological innovation.
Recharging Electric Vehicles: A Simple Guide to Get Started
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The LiV series of purpose-built lithium electric vehicles
Hybrid Technologies Inc., a manufacturer and marketer of lithium-ion battery electric vehicles, has entered into a Space Act Agreement with NASA's Kennedy Space Center to determine the utility of lithium-powered fleet vehicles. As part of this agreement, Hybrid Technologies supplied a fleet of cars for engineers at Kennedy to test. In return, NASA contributed engineering expertise for the cars' advanced battery management system.
The LiV Wise has a range of 120 miles at 75 miles per hour and is powered by a 40kW electric motor and a 30 kWh battery pack. The battery pack comes from Kokam America Inc., while the battery management system is Hybrid Technologies' own. The charge time for the LiV Wise is 6-8 hours with either 110-120 V or 220-240 V, and the lithium-ion battery pack has a cycle life of more than 1,500 charges.
Hybrid Technologies plans to offer the LiV series to the US market on a wider scale, with a particular focus on developing a system that will seamlessly integrate LiV Wise cars into small markets by 2009 and mass markets by 2010.
Electric Vehicles: Luxury, Performance, and the Future of Driving
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, NASA has been working on electric space vehicles for some time. The Space Exploration Vehicle (SEV) is a modular vehicle concept developed by NASA from 2008 to 2015. It is designed for two astronauts and can house them for up to two weeks.
The SEV is designed to be used on the Moon and elsewhere in space, such as for satellite servicing.
NASA has also been working on small spacecraft electric propulsion systems, which could be used for commercial needs closer to Earth, such as satellite servicing and deployment.
Yes, NASA has taken a keen interest in battery-powered vehicles and encourages their development and use. They have also installed Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) to support the government's goal of transitioning to a Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) fleet.
