AssetID: 53120403
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Toyota Unveils Lunar Cruiser Controlled By Joysticks That Astronauts Could Drive Across The Moon
Caption: Toyota has unveiled designs for a concept vehicle intended to be used by astronauts on the Moon. The Baby Lunar Cruiser (BLC) is an electric SUV steered by a joystick that the manufacturer claims could be used in space. Computer-generated design images show the compact 4x4 in a desert setting intended to mimic the surface of the Moon. It is guided by a trove of cameras and sensors feeding back real-time data into an augmented-reality program. This theoretically allows it to detect rough terrain and craters of the sort that might be found on the Moon. The tyres are airless to account for massive pressure changes in space and each wheel has its own self-contained motor to power it. The vehicle will also be able to withstand the violent temperature swings on the Moon, which can see highs of 121C and lows of -128C. Astronauts can enjoy the panoramic view through the large panes of heavily reinforced windows. The car is able to hold two people securely for 14 days, while there is also a folding rear seat to accommodate extra passengers. The six-wheeled, self-driving rover is being built to land on the moon in 2029 and will be capable of travelling up to 6,200 miles (10,000 km) across the lunar surface.
Keywords: Toyota,unveils,Lunar,Cruiser,Joysticks,Astronauts,drive,Moon,concept,vehicle,Baby Lunar Cruiser,BLC,electric,SUV,space,computer-generated,design,surface,compact,sensors,trove,cameras,real-time,data,terrain,craters,tyres,motor,power,motoring,car
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