Toyota's Hydrogen-Powered Lunar Cruiser to Explore Moon in 2032
The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the most recognizable off-road vehicles in the world. Toyota aims to make the hydrogen drive equally identifiable. Therefore, they plan to send a vehicle powered by such fuel, called the Lunar Cruiser, into space.
The six-wheeled pressurized rover is designed to travel across the Moon's surface. The project results from a cooperation agreement between NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The program to build it started in 2019, and some details about its construction are now known. However, it is still far from completion. It is expected to be ready in 2031, with a scheduled space flight in 2032.
Although the sketches do not show it, the Toyota Lunar Cruiser—designed jointly with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and JAXA—weighs as much as 10,000 kilograms and is intended to transport two people. It can also accommodate two additional people if necessary. The vehicle's design allows for staying inside without spacesuits, with the interior filled with air at appropriate pressure to sustain life for an extended period.
The Lunar Cruiser's mission on the Moon will last about 30 days, covering approximately 20 kilometres each day. During this time, information about the Moon's surface and resources will be collected. The vehicle is designed for 10 years of operation.
The Lunar Cruiser will feature an electric drive powered by hydrogen fuel cells and hydrogen generators energized by sunlight. The drive will use regenerative fuel cells (RFC), and the vehicle will also be equipped with solar panels and tanks for hydrogen and water.
Thanks to its design, the vehicle can operate both during the day and at night. The hydrogen will be obtained through electrolysis. When sunlight is scarce, the drive will use stored reserves, and the byproduct water from generating electricity will be collected in tanks for reuse during daylight. The system is self-sufficient and operates in a closed loop.
Autonomous driving
Thanks to LiDAR technology, the vehicle will be fully autonomous and able to avoid obstacles. It will also have a radio navigation system and a star position analysis system. Crew members can take full control of the vehicle at any time.
The Lunar Cruiser is designed to navigate regolith, craters, sharp rocks, and steep inclines. Metal tires capable of driving in extremely harsh conditions are being developed in collaboration with Bridgestone. Drawing from 70 years of designing and producing the Land Cruiser, the vehicle is expected to drive efficiently in challenging and unfamiliar terrain.
