The Hyundai firm brings us a piece of news that is pleasing, or at least to yours truly, since it is working on a project for lunar exploration.
What’s happening?
Hyundai is building a prototype rover-like vehicle for lunar explorationin conjunction with aerospace partners.
This vehicle began to be conceived in July 2022, when Hyundai signed a multilateral research agreement together with six Korean research institutes in the aerospace sector, to develop a mobility solution for the purpose of exploring the lunar surface.
Hyundai’s aerospace partners include the Korea Institute of Astronomy and Space Sciences (KASI), the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Construction Technology (KICT), the Institute of Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), and the Korea Institute of Automotive Technology (KATECH).
The Hyundai for the moon, has solar charging, thermal management, radiation protection, and can carry various equipment with a maximum weight of 70 kg, in a multipurpose mobility platform. It is also using advanced robotics, autonomous driving technologies (camera, LiDAR), a driving system (motor, wheels, suspension), and charging parts (solar panel, battery).
“Hyundai Motor Group has always stated that its goal is to contribute to expanding human reach and the scope of human mobility experiences,” said Yong Wha Kim, Executive Vice President and Director of Hyundai Motor R&D Planning and Coordination Center. and Kia. “The creation of the lunar exploration mobility development model not only reflects this goal, but also shows our ambition to achieve tangible results in the face of major challenges. With the development of the rover, we are going beyond land, sea and air mobility to expand into space mobility.”
Hyundai would have the first prototype vehicle ready by 2024 and start initial testing in the second half of that year. The brand aims to have the final model complete for launch in 2027.
How about this Hyundai moon vehicle? Leave us your comment.
