Toyota reveals lunar cruiser: Hydrogen-powered rover ready by 2032

The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the most recognizable off-road vehicles in the world. Toyota wants the hydrogen drive to be just as iconic. Therefore, they plan to send a vehicle powered by such fuel, called the Lunar Cruiser, into space.

The six-wheeled pressurized rover is designed to travel across the surface of the Moon. The project is a result of a cooperation agreement between NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The development program began in 2019, and now we have some details about its construction. It is still in the early stages, with an expected completion date of 2031, and it is slated to fly into space in 2032.

Although the sketches might not fully convey this, the Toyota Lunar Cruiser—designed jointly with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and JAXA—weighs as much as 22,046 pounds and is intended to transport two people. In emergencies, it can accommodate two additional passengers. The vehicle's design allows the crew to remain inside without spacesuits. The interior will be pressurized to sustain life for extended periods.

The Lunar Cruiser's mission on the Moon is planned to last about 30 days, during which it will cover approximately 12 miles each day. During this time, information about the Moon's surface and its resources will be collected. The vehicle's construction is designed to ensure 10 years of operation.

The Lunar Cruiser will be equipped with an electric drive powered by hydrogen fuel cells and hydrogen generators powered by sunlight. The drive will use regenerative fuel cells (RFC) and will also be fitted with solar panels and tanks for hydrogen and water. Thanks to its design, the vehicle can operate both day and night. Hydrogen will be obtained through electrolysis. When sunlight is scarce, the system will use stored reserves, and water, a byproduct of generating electricity, will be collected in tanks for reuse during the day. The system is self-sufficient and operates in a closed loop.

The vehicle will be fully autonomous, thanks to LiDAR technology, which allows it to avoid obstacles. It will have a radio navigation system and a system that analyzes the position of the stars. However, the crew members will be able to take full control of the vehicle at any time.

The Lunar Cruiser is designed to navigate regolith, craters, sharp rocks, and steep inclines. Metal tires, capable of withstanding extremely harsh conditions, are being developed in collaboration with Bridgestone. Lessons from 70 years of designing and producing the Land Cruiser are expected to help achieve efficient driving in difficult and completely unknown terrain.