Exploring Intimately Toyota's LUNAR CRUISER in the Second installment
The world of lunar exploration is about to take a significant step forward with the development of the LUNAR CRUISER, a pressurized rover jointly created by Toyota and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). This crewed vehicle is designed for extended lunar surface exploration, with a focus on the South Pole region.
Toyota's Tokyo Design Laboratory is at the forefront of this ambitious project, working tirelessly on the rover's design and advanced mobility and life-support systems. The collaboration between Toyota and JAXA aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon, enhancing scientific research capability and operational efficiency on the lunar surface.
The LUNAR CRUISER is more than just a rover - it's a mobile habitat, a spaceship with tires. Its tires, inspired by the soles of camels' feet, are designed to navigate the Moon's sandy surface with ease. The rover's interior, designed to be comfortable for two astronauts to live in for an extended period, is being developed using a virtual model to reduce costs and allow for on-the-fly changes to the design.
Certain aspects of the LUNAR CRUISER's driving will be automated to reduce the demand on the astronauts, ensuring their safety and well-being during the mission. The automated driving technology operates under the concept of partnering with the human driver to ensure safety.
The LUNAR CRUISER borrows its name from a Toyota model called the Land Cruiser. Toyota views the Moon as a testing ground for their technology, with many aspects likely to be applied to regular cars back on Earth. The development team faces significant challenges in meeting Toyota's demanding requirements for the lunar rover's performance.
The project, referred to as the "Japan Rover," is part of broader international cooperation, including partnerships with NASA aiming to establish sustainable lunar exploration infrastructure. As of August 2025, the development is ongoing with active design and research activity. The LUNAR CRUISER is scheduled to launch in 2029, with the aim for two astronauts to be able to board and actually live in the rover for about 30 days while they explore the surface of the Moon.
Bridgestone Corporation is responsible for the metal tires of the lunar rover, with a focus on solving challenges posed by the harsh lunar environment and the Moon's surface. Over 100 Japanese companies are involved in the project, working closely together to create a vehicle that is safe, reliable, and trustworthy for astronauts.
The LUNAR CRUISER is a testament to human ingenuity and the spirit of exploration. It represents a significant step forward in our understanding and exploration of the Moon, and it promises to open up new possibilities for scientific research and human endeavour on our celestial neighbour.
The LUNAR CRUISER's development embodies advancements in both science and technology, as it aims to enhance scientific research capability and operational efficiency on the lunar surface. The project, using technologies inspired by terrestrial vehicles such as the Land Cruiser, also serves as a testing ground for future innovations in space-and-astronomy, with possible applications on Earth.