Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) and Yokogawa Electric Corporation partner for research and development (R&D) activities.
This will include prototype measurement and control systems equipment for a manned pressurized rover that Toyota and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) are developing. The rover is known as the “Lunar Cruiser.”
Initiatives to explore the lunar surface have advanced significantly in recent years, both by commercial companies and government-funded space agencies, several of which have launched attempts at lunar landings.
The manned pressurized rover will be Japan’s first standalone manned space system, control systems, and is expected to dramatically expand the scope of exploration activities on the lunar surface. It will also have the ability to be remotely controlled and operate without a crew, enabling continuous exploration of the lunar surface.
For decades, Yokogawa has been providing highly reliable control systems and measurement instruments to companies in a wide range of industries.
With its extensive track record and proactive approach to research and development for the space industry, the company was invited by Toyota to participate in its manned pressurized rover project.
The agreements cover the design and procurement for the development of prototypes, advancing the conceptional studies undertaken by Yokogawa and Toyota for the control platform, control systems and the battery measurement components of the manned pressurized rover.
In order to be ready for launch in 2031 or later, Yokogawa and Toyota will keep working on development. As the manned pressurized rover develops, Yokogawa will look into potential new applications that will make use of the technologies that have been improved.
Leadership Comment
Hidehito Shiratsu, head of the Space Business Development Office at Yokogawa Electric, commented, “We are very excited to collaborate with Toyota Motor Corporation on the R&D of measurement and control systems equipment for the manned pressurized rover, which will play a crucial role in enabling continuous lunar exploration.”
“Yokogawa has positioned space as a key area for exploration in our medium-term business plan, Growth for Sustainability 2028, and we are developing opportunities in this field. In so doing we are leveraging our strengths in measurement, control, and information technologies that have withstood the most extreme environments on Earth, including in the polar regions and the deep sea,” continues Hidehito.
The technologies and insights gained through the development of products for the most extreme environment, outer space, will also be utilized to enhance the reliability of our existing products and services for earth-based industries.” added Hidehito.
