NEWS

JAMSS and Toyota Advance Collaborative Efforts on Crewed Pressurized Lunar Rover - Focused on Crew System Design and Enhancing Habitability for Future Lunar Missions 

Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation (JAMSS) is pleased to announce its ongoing collaboration with Toyota Motor Corporation in the development of a crewed pressurized rover (nicknamed "Lunar Cruiser") intended to support sustained human activity on the lunar surface (hereafter referred to as “the Project”). As part of this initiative, JAMSS is engaged in both contracted work and joint research, with a particular emphasis on crew system design and the enhancement of onboard habitability.

Concept image of the Crewed Pressurized Rover, “Lunar Cruiser” ©JAXA/TOYOTA

Drawing on over three decades of experience supporting astronaut operations aboard the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” on the International Space Station (ISS), JAMSS has been contributing to the Project from its conceptual phase. Our involvement includes the evaluation of safety protocols, operational scenarios, and the design of astronaut-support equipment within the rover. In anticipation of a future in which lunar exploration becomes more accessible to a broader population, JAMSS is also conducting joint research aimed at improving the living environment within the rover and optimizing coordination with ground control operations.
To facilitate seamless collaboration, JAMSS has seconded personnel to Toyota, enabling close communication and alignment on technical specifications and project execution at the operational level.

Scope of Engagement with Toyota:
• Contracted Work (2023–Present):
- Conceptual design of the crew system for the crewed pressurized rover
- Conceptual design of the integrated rover system, including crew accommodations

• Joint Research (2022–2024):
- Collaborative studies focused on enhancing rover functionality

• Personnel Secondment (2023–Present):
- Support for project management
- Assistance in the development of the integrated rover system

Astronauts enter and exit through the rear hatch of the rover (concept image) ©JAXA/TOYOTA

JAMSS’s astronaut support operations encompass a wide range of services, including the development of procedural documentation, training programs, real-time mission control operations for “Kibo,” hardware safety and usability evaluations, and comprehensive health management. This includes assessments of radiation exposure and psychological support before, during, and after missions. By applying this expertise to the lunar environment, JAMSS is contributing to the creation of systems that ensure astronauts can conduct their missions safely, efficiently, and comfortably.
Looking ahead, JAMSS remains committed to leveraging the technologies and operational capabilities cultivated through “Kibo” to support the realization of safe, reliable, and human-centered lunar missions across all domains.

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