The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Toyota Motor Corporation have announced that they have named the manned pressurized rover, which is currently under joint research, the ‘LUNAR CRUISER’. JAXA and Toyota have been conducting joint research on a manned, pressurized lunar rover that uses fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) technologies.
The name, which references the Toyota Land Cruiser SUV, was decided upon based on the quality, durability, and reliability expected of the pressurized lunar rover.
Together, they are working to manufacture test parts for each technological element, and the prototype rover itself, during 2020.
In press release, JAXA states: “JAXA and Toyota will gather the knowledge, experience and technological capabilities of enterprises from across a variety of industries in their attempt to realize their dream of sustaining continuous activities on the surface of the moon as “Team Japan,” moving forward.”
JAXA and Toyota signed a joint research agreement to work on a manned pressurized lunar rover last year, on June 13, 2019, with an expected launch date in the latter half of the 2020s.
Keyword: Toyota And The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Announce Name of Electric Lunar Rover