In 1969, the United States landed the first astronaut on the moon, one of the greatest achievements of all mankind.
More moon landings followed, the last three employing lunar rovers. These were purpose-built vehicles, largely made of aluminum tubing. They were lightweight (only 463 lbs.), powered with electric batteries and driven by a joystick. They were left behind when the astronauts returned to earth, the last in 1972. No one has been to the moon since.
We propose that an unmanned, robotic mission be sent to retrieve one of the three rovers from the moon, for study and display at the National Air and Space Museum next to the Apollo 11 capsule. Together they will symbolize our can-do spirit and inspire a new generation to develop new technologies and reach for the stars.