

NASA is sending a prototype of its new lunar rover to appear in the Presidential Inauguration Parade in Washington, D.C. The six-wheeled Small Pressurized Rover, or SPR, will provide the big, geeky finish to the line of floats and marching bands scheduled to head down Pennsylvania Avenue on Jan. 20. The hope is that the new Obama Administration will support NASA’s current plan to return to the moon, on or around 2020.

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The battery powered, lunar SUV will be piloted by astronaut and SPR project manager Mike Gernhardt. When it reaches President Barack Obama’s box at the end of the parade route, spacesuited astronaut Rex Walheim will detach from the vehicle, carrying the American flag. He will take several step towards toward the reviewing stand, stop, and salute the new President, ending the parade.

See the embedded video or click this link to see the SPR in action.

Story and video via the Houston Chronicle

Photo via NASA.com