The new lunar rover will have a pressurization system that will allow its crew to travel without a spacesuit. Image: AI
Since man’s arrival on the Moon on July 16, 1969, thanks to the Apollo spacecraft, technological advances have made things that previously seemed impossible, such as landing on the moon, no longer so. An example of this is the recent collaboration between the Toyota car brand together with the space exploration agencies NASA and JAXA, who seek to take a historic step regarding travel to the Moon.
The new space van, which will be destined for the exploration of the Moon, promises to be ready by 2030; However, this new vehicle will not only be used to move around our satellite, but will also serve as a mobile laboratory on exploration missions.
What is the name of the new space van?
He Lunar Cruiser is the name that Toyota and the POT They have given the rover vehicle designed for lunar exploration. This project is part of a broader effort to develop technology that will allow astronauts carry out manned missions to the Moon with longer duration and safety.
In this sense, the director of the POTBill Nelson stated that: “This vehicle is more than just a means of transportation; “It is a mobile habitat, a lunar laboratory, a lunar home and a lunar explorer.”
What is the purpose of the Lunar Cruiser?
The objective of Lunar Cruiser is facilitate sustainable exploration on the lunar surface. Some of its purposes include improving mobility in difficult terrain, providing habitability and life support, offering autonomy with autonomous systems, and using hydrogen fuel cell technology for clean and efficient energy.
Besides, seeks to expand human capacity on the Moonallowing exploration beyond the landing site and contributing to a sustained human presence in the Moon.
One of the priorities of the Lunar Cruiser is off-road driving performance. Image: Toyota Europe
“The search for the stars is led by nations exploring the cosmos openly, peacefully and together. The United States will no longer walk alone on the moon,” Nelson highlighted, stating that the collaboration between both space agencies will mark a milestone.
Features of the Lunar Cruiser
Ensure that a vehicle can operate in a place like the Moon requires certain minimum parameters to be met. From its ability to adapt to lunar gravity to its resistance to the varying temperatures that exist in space, between -170 and 120 degrees Celsius, and strong exposure to radiation.
Therefore, the POT and the Japanese space agency JAXA have commissioned Toyota use the latest in technology to design the next roverwhich will be prepared for take up to two astronauts for a journey of 20 km a day.
Like most vehicles and spacecraft, the Lunar Cruiser It will use hydrogen batteries generated by solar energy that is abundant on our satellite. But it will also be equipped with a system that will allow water to be converted into this fuel, which will make much longer expeditions possible.
What mission will the lunar van be used on?
Delivery of the Lunar Cruiser is planned to arrive with the Artemis VII mission in 2031, which will help astronauts in their foray to the South Pole of the Moon for at least 30 days.
Likewise, the main objective of Artemis VII is that humans return to the Moon and so prepare for a future trip to Martand. On this mission the first woman and the first black astronaut will go to the lunar surface.
The Lunar Cruiser will be ready for the second phase of the Artemis VII program. Image: NASA
