Toyota and Japan’s space agency are working on creating the perfect vehicle to explore the moon. The joint operation is aspiring to help humans live on the moon by 2040. Furthermore, they wish to help humans live on Mars. Here’s all you need to know.
Toyota and JAXA: On exploring the moon
Japan’s fascination with the moon is ever-growing. Toyota and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) are working together on the Lunar Cruiser. The name of the vehicle for exploring the lunar surface is a homage to the vehicle company’s Land Cruiser. It is set to launch in the late 2020s. The Lunar Cruiser is based on the idea that people can work, eat, sleep and communicate with others. “We see space as an area for our once-in-a-century transformation. By going to space, we may be able to develop telecommunications and other technology that will prove valuable to human life,” explained Takao Sato. Sato is the head of the Lunar Cruiser project at Toyota Motor Corp.
Since the firm’s founding, it has been fearing loss of business due to the changing times. Since its inception, the firm has ventured into boats, jets, robots, and even housing. “Sending our cars to the moon is our mission. But this is about taking our cars to somewhere we have never been,” said Shinichiro Noda. Noda is an engineer at Toyota and is excited about the new venture.
Lunar Cruiser and its Robotic-arm attachment
Additionally, Gitai Japan Inc. also contracted the car company for developing a robotic arm. Once attached to the Lunar Cruiser, the arm can perform inspection and maintenance tasks. The arm’s ‘grapple function’ is useful. It is useful for various tasks such as lifting, sweeping, scooping, etc. “The challenge of blasting off into space has basically been met but working in space entails big costs and hazards for astronauts. That’s where robots would come in handy,” stated Sho Nakanose. Nakanose is the Chief Executive Officer of Gitai.