In a research project with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Toyota has researched mobility for lunar explanation and developed a manned pressurized rover, which is nicknamed the "Lunar Cruiser" inside the company. Here, we present the four core technologies key to exploring the moon under harsh driving conditions and extreme temperature changes as well as the ideas of the Lunar Cruiser's development team.

The first core technology is off-road driving. The direction of each tire can be changed independently, making it possible to brake by forming a "V" with the tires when normal brakes fail. It can also maneuver surprisingly well around obstacles despite its massive size. The speed of each tire can also be adjusted individually, allowing for smooth driving over the soft sawdust-textured surface of the moon.

This off-road driving and the other core technologies of autonomous off-road driving, user experience (liveability, etc.), and Regenerative Fuel Cell (RFC) are being used in Lunar Cruiser development. Yuta Tomikawa gives his all to report on each of these technologies, so be sure to check it out.

This attempt at lunar exploration, one that the entire world is watching, is being carried out not only by Toyota but a diverse range of companies collaborating in an all-Japan effort. What's more, the insights gained through this project are being applied to carmaking here on Earth as well.

Hirofumi Inoue, President of the Advanced R&D and Engineering Company, had this to say on the significance of the Lunar Cruiser's research and development.

"We understand that expanding such technologies as autonomous driving and RFC to harsher environments, such as the lunar surface, will also benefit terrestrial technology."

"Toyota and Space." An unexpected combination at first glance, but one bound to lead to "making ever-better cars." Stay tuned for the ongoing endeavors of the Lunar Cruiser.