Main Engine Cut Off T+306: Lunar Outpost (with Michael Moreno, VP of Strategy)
Aug 7, 2025
Michael Moreno, VP of Strategy at Lunar Outpost, discusses innovative lunar rover development and exciting projects like the Lunar Terrain Vehicle for NASA. He highlights the company's shift towards commercial services on the Moon and the significance of Lunar Voyage 1, their first step into a profitable lunar economy. Moreno also addresses the balance between meeting NASA's needs and commercial demands, the importance of modular payload designs, and the future of lunar infrastructure. Tune in for insights on upcoming lunar missions and the potential for multiple providers on the Moon!
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First Commercial Rover On The Moon
- Lunar Outpost put the first commercial rover (MAP) on the Moon in March of this year.
- That mission validated hardware and informed their next lunar missions and LTV work.
MAP's Flight Success Despite Sideways Landing
- MAP flew on Intuitive Machines IM2, survived many flight stresses and reached TRL-9 for several subsystems.
- It landed sideways, operated for ~3 hours, and returned valuable data despite not driving on the surface.
Commercial Payloads Kickstart Lunar Economy
- Lunar Voyage 1 was 100% commercial payloads and profitable for Lunar Outpost.
- Brand and nontraditional partners like Juventus amplified public interest and the lunar economy narrative.