NASA’s Artemis program is sending a surprising rover to the moon—a hydrogen-powered Toyota Lunar Cruiser, not a Tesla. Developed by Toyota and Japan’s JAXA, the rover will be launched by SpaceX in 2032 as part of NASA's mission to explore the moon's South Pole.
Unlike Tesla's sleek designs, the Toyota Lunar Cruiser is built to handle the harsh lunar landscape. It features an unpressurised cabin for two astronauts in full suits and can carry over 1,000 pounds of equipment. Powered by a hydrogen fuel cell system, it offers long-range capabilities and high efficiency, even in extreme temperatures ranging from -173°C to 120°C.
The Lunar Cruiser will support NASA’s long-term goal of regular lunar missions for scientific discovery, playing a vital role in Artemis’ ongoing exploration efforts.
