Together with the Japanese space agency JAXA, the Japanese automaker Toyota is working on a lunar vehicle: the Lunar Cruiser. The six-wheeled off-road vehicle is intended to not only drive on the lunar surface from 2029 (perhaps even on the first lunar roads) but also on Earth.
The Lunar Cruiser has a total range of approximately 10,000 kilometers and is powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology. Its living space measures 13 cubic meters and can accommodate up to four people. With a length of 6 meters, a width of 5.20 meters, and a height of 3.80 meters, it is roughly the size of two compact buses parked side by side.
Safety on the Moon must be ensured.
The challenge with this vehicle is safety. If humans are to be stationed on the Moon in the future, whether for lunar exploration, space exploration, or resource extraction, the vehicle must meet certain conditions: it must have enough oxygen on board, be shielded from dangerous space radiation, and not suffer damage from small meteorite impacts.
Due to the high levels of space radiation and the lack of atmosphere (which is so minimal that it's hardly worth mentioning), Toyota will not manufacture the tires from rubber or resin, as is common on Earth. They will be made of metal. In addition, many of the navigation tasks will be automated to ensure that the vehicle does not roll over on the unfamiliar lunar terrain. It will generate safe routes, and radio signal navigation must be guaranteed.
The vehicle will also be equipped with solar panels that will collect energy for the lunar vehicle's fuel cells during a lunar day (which corresponds to 14 Earth days). Together with stored water, the vehicle will produce hydrogen and oxygen for power generation.
Vehicle to be used on Earth in a modified form
The concept is also promising for Earth, particularly in crisis or disaster areas. The vehicle's circular energy system can provide sustainable energy for remote villages, refugee camps in conflict zones, and disaster evacuation centers.
The Earth model will differ from the lunar model, as it is designed to address different challenges. In addition to a different design reminiscent of the J40 Land Cruiser, the vehicle, named the Baby Lunar Cruiser (BLC), will have four wheels instead of six. Toyota writes: "Built to conquer rough terrain on Earth and beyond."
The cost of the off-road vehicle and when it can be ordered is currently unclear.