Nissan lunar rover concept
In partnership with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Nissan has developed a new lunar rover which is a critical part of space exploration. The two companies have been working together on driving the controllability of the lunar rover since January 2020.
They unveiled their lunar rover concept, developed in partnership with JAXA, alongside several electric vehicle concepts at the Nissan Futures event. This is a prime example of what can be achieved by combining elements of multiple sectors as this automotive-aerospace crossover works with 4WD tech.
Using Automotive Technology In Space
Nissan developed the motor control technology through the production of its mass-market electric vehicles such as the Nissan LEAF along with the e-4ORCE all-wheel control technology on the new Nissan Ariya electric crossover.
If anything will make the new lunar rover stand out it has to be Nissan’s e-4ORCE AWD tech. It precisely controls all four wheels independently which provides the driver with confidence in all types of conditions.
By specially tuning the motors on the lunar rover to perform on the lunar surface, Nissan believes this technology will greatly boost the rover’s performance. According to Toshiyuki Nakajima, head of engineering, the research project could lead to new knowledge that can be applied to terrestrial vehicles.
How Does e-4ORCE Work?
The basics behind Nissan’s e-4ORCE is explained using the upcoming Nissan Ariya electric crossover. It comes equipped with front and rear electric motors where the torque of each motor can be individually controlled to provide improved traction while accelerating. When decelerating, drivers can also individually adjust the amount of regeneration for the front and rear motors.
That’s not all as this technology minimises dive and body shake when braking. Going around corners has never been easier as the torque of the front and rear motors and the braking performance of the four wheels are carefully managed to ensure smooth and comfortable handling. The simplicity of the design enables drivers of all skill levels to confidently navigate all types of road conditions.
Improved Performance For The New Lunar Rover
The software Nissan used works similar to a traction control system that helps limit wheelspin on slippery surfaces which is exactly what they will encounter on the moon with soft sand-like regolith. It will enable the new lunar rover to drag itself up steep inclines and over jagged rocks.
Toshiyuki Nakajima, chief engineer chief and head of the e-4ORCE programme, said: “The uses of automobiles and driving situations are wide-ranging. We aim for the ultimate driving performance through our research and development, and believe the know-how gained from this joint research with JAXA will lead to innovations in our vehicles that will bring benefits to customers.”
Ikkoh Funaki, Director of the JAXA Space Exploration and Innovation Hub Centre, said that they aim to apply the research results to future space exploration. “We are collaborating with companies, universities and research institutes on projects that are feasible and have the potential for commercialisation and innovation.”
He concluded by stating that by conducting research with Nissan, with expertise in electrified technologies, they “hope to apply their findings to the development of higher-performance lunar rovers.”
The Development Of Lunar Rovers
Nissan isn’t the only company as several automakers have researched lunar rovers in the past. In 2015 Audi unveiled a lunar rover that would be used for a privately operated Moon mission but the precedent was set by General Motors. They helped develop the original lunar rover for the NASA Apollo missions in the 1960s and 1970s.
In addition to Nissan, JAXA has also worked with Toyota to develop a bigger crewed lunar rover that would be powered by hydrogen fuel cells. Honda is another example as they announced early in 2021 their plans of working with JAXA on lunar rover projects.
There’s no confirmation on when Nissan’s lunar rover prototype will make it to the moon but it’s probably won’t be any time soon. However, JAXA has given some assurance that the project will be used in an upcoming space mission.
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