Toyota Motor plans to utilize regenerative fuel cell technology for a manned lunar rover, according to company executives on Friday. This breakthrough raises the possibility of using the moon’s water ice as a potential energy source in the future. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Japan has significantly intensified its space ambitions. The country is actively participating in NASA’s Artemis program and aims to have an astronaut stationed at a lunar space station called Gateway by the latter half of the 2020s. Since 2019, Toyota has been collaborating with Japan’s space agency to develop a manned lunar rover, known as the Lunar Cruiser, with the goal of landing it on the moon in 2029.
Ken Yamashita, the head of lunar exploration projects at Toyota, stated, “In order to conduct long-term and stable research on the moon’s surface, we are striving to obtain necessary resources on-site over an extended period.” According to presentation materials released by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, NASA expects Japan to contribute a lunar rover to the Artemis program with a target launch date of 2029. Toyota’s innovative technology relies on regenerating hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis, using solar energy and water, during daylight hours. This stored hydrogen can then be used by the fuel cells to generate electricity even during lunar nights, which last about 14 earth days and are characterized by extreme darkness and cold temperatures.
The leading global automaker aims to secure an order for the manned lunar rover by the autumn of next year. This vehicle has the capability to accommodate two astronauts and conduct missions for 42 days annually, with a projected operational lifespan of 10 years. If possible, Toyota plans to extend the lifespan of the lunar rover beyond 10 years by obtaining a sustainable water supply. Initially, clean water will need to be sent into space alongside the rover. However, Yamashita cautioned that Toyota does not anticipate generating usable water for fuel cells from the moon’s ice water or having the ability to extract it independently. The company may rely on other entities or future advancements in this domain.
By adopting regenerative fuel cell technology in their lunar rover, Toyota reaffirms its commitment to innovation and sustainable energy solutions. The company aims to contribute to the ongoing exploration of the moon and the future development of extraterrestrial resources.
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