The Lunar Terrain Vehicle Instruments (LTVI) solicitation from NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD) invites proposals for science-driven instruments designed to operate on the Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV). These instruments will be deployed on the lunar surface to support the Artemis missions, particularly in the south polar region of the Moon, where they will operate telerobotically during both crewed and uncrewed missions. The primary objectives are to conduct research aligned with decadal survey priorities across planetary science, heliophysics, astrobiology, and other fields relevant to NASA’s Moon-to-Mars (M2M) strategy. Proposed investigations must align with Artemis goals, focusing on unpressurized, mobile, lunar-surface science, and may also contribute to pre-crew site reconnaissance.

Proposals must include instruments ready for integration onto the LTV and operable by remote control during uncrewed operations. These instruments must address science objectives that fit within the technical requirements, including mass, power, communication, and environmental constraints outlined by NASA. Each instrument must have clear scientific goals beyond technology demonstrations and must be independently functional without crew interaction. The call excludes instruments intended solely for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) or direct crew interaction unless necessary for safety.

Eligibility is open to various U.S. and foreign institutions, including universities, nonprofits, small businesses, and international partners (with certain limitations). U.S.-led proposals with foreign partnerships must ensure that international contributions do not exceed one-third of the total project cost. Non-U.S. proposals must be “no exchange of funds” and adequately demonstrate their capacity to meet project requirements independently. A two-step proposal process is required, with Step-1 submissions due in October 2024 and Step-2 submissions in December 2024.

A maximum of $44 million is available for the program, with each selected instrument limited to a cost cap of $20 million for development (Phases A-D) and $2 million for post-delivery operations (Phases E/F), pending budget availability. Proposed instruments must reach a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 by the Preliminary Design Review (PDR), and must not exceed designated mass limits for their assigned payload slots. Selected instruments will operate continuously on the lunar surface for a minimum of two years, surviving the lunar night with limited power availability.

The evaluation criteria cover scientific merit, technical feasibility, management, and cost realism. Proposals should include a detailed timeline, critical path analysis, and risk management strategies. Instrument teams are expected to participate in extensive mission planning, training, and operations alongside the Artemis Science Team, providing all necessary data to NASA’s Planetary Data System (PDS) or another specified repository. Regular reporting and documentation will be required, with adherence to all relevant NASA policies on data sharing, safety, and planetary protection.

The anticipated start of selected investigations is approximately eight months after Step-2 submission, with instrument delivery slated for March 2028 and lunar deployment in 2029.