A small step towards man’s success
Is it really 50 years since mankind made this giant leap for humanity? It was the first time that humanity had ever stepped on another planet, and it firmly established NASA and its astronauts as a part of history. It was also a showcase of how far technology had advanced, with the first celestial offroad vehicle, the Lunar Rover.
Polaris created a fully functioning replica of the original Lunar Rover Vehicle. This project was created by Polaris in collaboration with the US Space and Rocket Center in Hunstsville (Alabama). The replica LRV functions exactly like the real thing. It has Ackermann steering and brakes, accelerates, and four-wheel Ackermann steering. The fiberglass mold was made using the original 50-year-old molds used for space missions. Polaris collaborated closely with NASA astronauts and members of the original LRV crew to create a one-of-a kind replica.
Basically, all of the mechanical parts in the LRV replica are from Polaris’ vast line of off-road, and on-road vehicles. Each piece serves a purpose and functions, bringing the project alive. The Polaris UTVs, ATVs, and Polaris UTVs provide the power steering and electronic brakes. The Indian Motorcycles have the headlights, while things such as the steering rack and the Polaris Slingshot are copied.
“It was an incredible opportunity to honour legends, work alongside members of the original crew, and offer our expertise and technologies in building this Lunar Rover Replica,” Bryan Ogle, Polaris’ manager of manufacturing, said.
The Polaris Lunar Rover Replica was unveiled in Huntsville, Alabama on July 13th at the USSRC Apollo Celebration Car Show. It will continue to be seen at numerous events.
Concert in the Park, Huntsville, July 15,
NASA unveiling at Marshall Space Flight Center (SFC), July 16
USSRC Guinness World Record Launch Of 5,000 Rockets in Huntsville, July 16, 2007
Parade Landing on Moon in Huntsville, July 19
City Summer Fest Moon Landing concert at USSRC, July 20,
Huntsville Public Library, September 19, 2019, LRV History
Talladega Speedway, October 2019, Lap