Soon ‘tear’ on the moon and Hyundai?

Hyundai will build a lunar rover. No, not so that astronauts can drive it themselves, but a lunar rover that can explore completely independently. For the development and construction of the Hyundai lunar rover, the Korean manufacturer is collaborating with major Korean research institutes in the space industry.

The Korean lunar rover is coming in 2027

The construction of the lunar rover is already underway it started. It will be a secret for now. Hyundai expects to be able to submit the results of the first test in 2024 and it will also be completed later that year. Then it will be a few more years before the Korean lunar rover is launched. That is scheduled for 2027.

The Lunar rover uses advanced robotics and technology for autonomous driving, propulsion systems (motors, wheels, suspension) and charging equipment (solar panels, batteries). Developed by Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation (camera, LiDAR).

“The development of this rover for lunar exploration not only reflects this goal, but also demonstrates our desire to turn big challenges into tangible results. With the development of the rover, we are looking beyond land, sea and air mobility and are expanding into space mobility,” said Yong Wha Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of R&D Planning and Coordination Center at Hyundai Motor.

Universal mobility platform

Hyundai components are widely used in the construction of the lower part of the rover, which will serve as a universal mobility platform. On top of that, different types of equipment for lunar surface exploration can be placed – depending on the purpose of the mission. To withstand the harsh conditions on the lunar surface, the rover will receive additional protection against radiation, among other things.

Before the rover is sent to the moon, several tests will be conducted in an environment similar to the lunar surface. After that, it is planned to land the rover near the southern part of the moon to carry out various scientific missions. The solar-powered mobility platform will weigh about 70 kilograms.