the buzz log

When was the last time anything from NASA made you say, "Whoa, that's cool"? Sometime during the Kennedy administration? Your justifiable cynicism may be about to disappear. A new and very impressive-looking moon buggy prototype has been unveiled by America's space agency.

The buggy looks nothing like the tin foil-like moon rovers from years past. This thing is straight out of a Spielberg flick, with an impressive glass cockpit, iPod-like color scheme, and room for four passengers. Additionally, according to this video from the Houston Chronicle, the rover can also serve as a mobile living quarters. No need for astronauts to return to their base every night — they can do the space equivalent of car camp instead.

So what about the specs? MSNBC hosts an informative article. Apparently, the rover's top speed will be anywhere from 6-15 miles per hour. Not exactly the General Lee, but what it lacks in speed, it makes up for in maneuverability. During a test run in the Arizona desert, the buggy "outpaced Hummers, Jeeps, and rugged trucks." It can even "dip and rise like a low rider." 

But don't get too excited just yet. It's still only a prototype. And even if development goes perfectly, this vehicle won't see the moon's surface until 2020. That's a long way away, but those who can't wait should tune in next Tuesday. The lunar rover will make its public debut during Barack Obama's inaugural parade, where it will show off its moves for the new president.