NASA tests Toyota-built moon exploration vehicle known as “Lunar Cruiser”

NASA is testing a moon exploration vehicle built by Toyota, known as “Luna Cruiser” as Japan gears up for space exploration.

Toyota announced on 13 May that the vehicle is being test-run by the space exploration agency as part of preparation towards the Artemis program led by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Getting Japan ready

According to Toyota, two Japanese men are scheduled to participate in the space exploration adventure starting in 2027. 

In order to prepare Japan for this, the company is working with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to develop lunar mobility.

The vehicle is designed like a crewed pressurized rover that features a pressurized cabin, an enclosed space where the air pressure is controlled to create an environment similar to Earth’s. 

Unlike previous lunar rovers, those onboard the Lunar Cruiser need not wear extravehicular suits, even in the harsh environment of the moon with near-zero gravity and temperature extremes..

The current test run is meant to check and ensure that the vehicle has overcome all obstacles to its being moon-ready, by checking that it can provide the ideal environment for those onboard.

Toyota is working alongside Bridgestone and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries which are responsible for developing the Lunar Cruiser’s tires and power source. 

Commenting, Director for Space Exploration, JAXA Space Exploration Center (JSEC), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said:

“This crewed pressurized rover offers both mobility and habitability, enabling astronauts to move around and explore the moon’s surface for prolonged periods beyond the confines of the landing site. In a sense, it is a spaceship that drives on the moon.”

The partnership with Mitsubishi towards this project dates back to 2023, while Toyota itself has been on it since 2019. Work on the main vehicle began last year 

Not only Bridgestone and Mitsubishi, but other Japanese tech companies are joining hands with Toyota to ensure that the ambition to reach space is achieved for the country.