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Toyota enters into agreement ...Japanese automotive giant Toyota has just announced plans for collaboration with JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) to develop a lunar rover that would be powered by fuel cells. The rover would be launched in 2029 and Toyota plans to develop experimental prototypes for the same. The two organizations signed an agreement on Tuesday to cement plans for lunar expeditions.
The project is set to be carried in phases with both Toyota and JAXA testing feasibility of the rovers as well as carrying out adequate tests as per necessary parameters. The six-wheeled rover is projected to be about 20 feet long, 17 feet wide and 12 feet tall and would feature a plethora of communication equipment as well as adjustable solar panels. Furthermore, the rover would also have a winch at the front for various applications and to help if it gets stuck.
Japan has been continuing its lunar missions and even put a couple of communication satellites into the lunar orbit. In addition to lunar missions, JAXA managed to land a spacecraft on an asteroid, an enormously difficult feat, and one which earned JAXA praise from the global scientific community.
The Japanese space agency ultimately plans to launch a series of manned and unmanned missions to the moon under a broad Lunar Exploration Program to establish a Japanese presence in an international lunar outpost.