'Toyota Land Cruiser on the Moon': Hydrogen-powered rover set for lunar debut by 2032
Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Mission Delays
NASA’s Artemis program faces delays and budget overruns, prompting potential reliance on private firms like SpaceX or Blue Origin for moon landings.
Private Power
SpaceX and Blue Origin are developing lunar landers capable of delivering massive payloads to the moon’s surface, with SpaceX targeting 2029 for its first cargo mission.
Moon Base
Future lunar missions could deliver infrastructure for a moon base or even rovers to help astronauts navigate the lunar terrain.
Toyota Rover
JAXA, in collaboration with Toyota, is developing a pressurized rover dubbed the "Lunar Cruiser," designed for astronaut mobility and set to be delivered to the moon by SpaceX no sooner than 2032.
Lunar Cruiser
The Lunar Cruiser, inspired by Toyota’s Land Cruiser, will be roughly 19 feet long and 16 feet wide, with enough space for two astronauts and their gear in a pressurized environment.
Hydrogen Drive
Toyota’s Lunar Cruiser will feature a hydrogen powertrain, adapted from its Mirai vehicle, ensuring sustainable energy solutions for lunar exploration.
Space Rivalry
SpaceX, while working on its own lunar terrain vehicle, faces competition from Toyota’s Lunar Cruiser, which could debut on the moon sooner.
Cargo Missions
SpaceX plans to carry critical infrastructure, including rovers and moon base components, leveraging its proven track record in space logistics.
Future Mobility
Lunar rovers like Toyota’s Cruiser and SpaceX’s Eagle are set to revolutionize astronaut mobility on the moon, paving the way for advanced exploration.