NASA Partners with Canoo
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has recently announced its partnership with Canoo Inc. (Nasdaq: GOEV), a leading innovator in advanced mobility solutions. This collaboration is geared towards providing Crew Transportation Vehicles (CTVs) for the Artemis lunar exploration missions manned by astronauts. Significantly, Canoo will be delivering custom-built, all-electric Lunar Vehicles (LV models) to NASA. This strategic move underscores the shift towards employing greener and more sustainable solutions in space exploration. The delivery of these state-of-the-art vehicles is expected to be completed by June 2023.
“We are honored to transport the Artemis crew to the launch site for the first human lunar landing in more than 50 years. The selection of our innovative technologies by NASA to take a diverse team of American astronauts to the moon showcases a great commitment to sustainable transportation,” said Canoo Investor, Chairman and CEO Tony Aquila. “As a high-tech mobility company, we are inspired by NASA’s pioneering and trailblazing spirit. Our customized vehicles are modular and upgradable throughout their lifecycle with a high level of recyclability at end of life. Canoo’s Made in America electric vehicles embody our nation’s ingenuity and bold determination to reclaim global technology leadership for America and its allied nations. We are proud to be a partner to NASA in one of the world’s greatest endeavors.”
Designing with the human in mind
To meet these challenges, Canoo is prioritizing comfort, safety, and functionality in the design of the Crew Transportation Vehicles (CTVs). Each CTV is engineered to carry fully suited astronauts, flight support staff, and necessary equipment to the launch site, ensuring a seamless transition from preparation to launch. Emphasizing on ergonomic design and intuitive control systems, these vehicles will deliver optimal comfort and ease-of-use for the crew members.
Safety is paramount in these designs, incorporating advanced safety mechanisms and redundant systems to ensure the well-being of the astronauts and support staff. By addressing these considerations early in the design phase, Canoo aims to speed up development while also enhancing the overall quality of the product. The outcome expected is a fleet of CTVs that not only meet, but exceed NASA’s requirements, contributing to the success of the Artemis lunar exploration missions.
Powered by innovation
Canoo is truly redefining vehicular construction with its groundbreaking multi-purpose platform and innovative interchangeable top hats. The company has made a significant mark in the industry with over 160 patents, encompassing every cardinal component of their vehicles. Drawing inspiration from the aerospace sector, Canoo is engineering for the future.
Their vehicles are designed with full redundancy and harmonized for secure proprietary software, as well as over-the-air updates. This focus on Intellectual Property (IP) creation is not just a strategy, but a tribute to NASA’s audacious trailblazing spirit. With an unwavering commitment to innovation, Canoo is establishing itself as a leading figure in the space of advanced mobility solutions.
Built in the heartland
With its eyes set firmly on the Artemis mission, Canoo has strategically chosen the heartland of America for its operations. The company recently announced Bentonville, Arkansas as the location of its headquarters and advanced manufacturing site, while Pryor, Oklahoma, will be the site of its expansive micro factory.
This move represents a significant investment in local communities and economies, with the promise of bringing over 2,700 advanced mobility jobs directly to the regions and attracting many more indirectly. Beyond employment opportunities, this move will stimulate technological growth and innovation within these regions. Anticipating a bustling future, Canoo plans to kickstart commercial production from its Bentonville facility as early as late 2022, paving the way for a new era of advanced mobility and technological advancement.
“The heartland has produced 7 of America’s astronauts, including the first Native American astronaut. We are pleased to build on that incredible legacy and to engage the can-do spirit of this dynamic region in the future of space exploration” Aquila said. “NASA’s choice will support high-paying technology and light blue collar EV advanced manufacturing jobs with the Cherokee Nation and the states of Oklahoma and Arkansas.”
More than half a century has passed since humanity first set foot on the lunar surface under the auspices of the Apollo mission. Now, under the banner of Artemis, named for Apollo’s twin sister and the Goddess of the Moon in Greek mythology, we are on the cusp of another groundbreaking expedition. This mission goes beyond merely visiting the moon; it aims to establish a sustainable human and robotic presence on and around the lunar surface.
This pioneering endeavor serves as a testament to the inclusivity of our times, as it intends to land the first woman and first person of color on the moon. The long-term learnings from Artemis will be instrumental in planning future crewed visits to Mars, marking a significant leap in our cosmic journey. This isn’t just another moon mission; it’s a pivotal step towards humanity becoming a multi-planetary species.
Canoo has teams in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Michigan and California. For more information, please visit www.canoo.com.
