NEWS

 JAXA plans to obtain data on the lunar surface by utilizing a transformable lunar robot. The data collected will aid the design for the studied crewed pressurized rover. The transformable lunar robot is being jointly developed by JAXA, TOMY Company, Ltd., Sony Group Corporation, and Doshisha University. Transportation of the robot to the Moon will be conducted by Japan’s ispace, inc. (ispace).
 In order to acquire the data, a transformable lunar robot will be transported to the lunar surface by ispace’s lunar lander (to be launched in 2022). While the robot travels on the lunar surface, images on behavior of the regolith, and images of lunar surface taken by the robot and the camera on the lunar lander will be sent to the mission control center via the lunar lander. The acquired data will be used for evaluation of the localization algorithm and the impact of the regolith on driving performance of the crewed pressurized rover.
 JAXA will continue to conduct studies for realizing international space exploration by utilizing the lunar landing opportunities and technologies offered by commercial companies.

For more information: https://global.jaxa.jp/press/2021/05/20210527-1_e.html