Innovative tyre design will support NASA-backed CubeRover for safer and more efficient lunar mobility
Bridgestone Corporation has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Astrobotic Technology to co-develop lunar rover tyres designed to tackle the Moon’s demanding surface conditions. This collaboration leverages Bridgestone's 90-plus years of tyre technology expertise and Astrobotic’s 17 years in lunar rover development, including substantial NASA-funded projects.
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Through this joint project, Bridgestone aims to expand its influence in the space sector and reinforce its commitment to advanced mobility solutions. Bridgestone’s advanced prototype of lunar tyres, already in first- and second-generation concept stages, builds on its extensive experience across diverse and extreme environments, such as motorsport. The goal of these tyres is to support the specific demands of lunar exploration—particularly the harsh, rocky terrain that poses significant obstacles for rover mobility.
“Our collaboration with Astrobotic not only extends our reach beyond Earth but also serves as a testament to our pursuit of excellence in mobility. By developing tyres capable of handling the Moon's uncharted surface, we’re bringing Bridgestone’s expertise to a new frontier,” the company stated.
The Bridgestone lunar rover tyre is specifically designed for the Astrobotic 24U CubeRover, a versatile platform that delivers mobility, power, and communication for scientific equipment on the lunar surface. The CubeRover, roughly the size of a household kitchen stove, is a NASA-endorsed project and the latest of Astrobotic’s six distinct lunar rover designs. With the 24U, the CubeRover is equipped with sophisticated steering, dynamic suspension, and long-range communication systems, making it a powerful tool for deep-space science.
The 24U CubeRover demands a highly resilient tyre system due to the Moon’s rugged topography and extreme temperatures. To meet this need, Bridgestone has developed a specialised tyre structure with metal spokes and a unique elastic design that absorbs shocks and adapts to rocky terrain while conserving energy. The tyre’s deformable structure reduces stress on the rover’s drivetrain, increasing both traction and longevity, which is critical for the extended duration of lunar missions.
In this partnership, Bridgestone and Astrobotic will soon undertake qualification tests to ensure that the tyres can withstand the intense launch conditions and temperature fluctuations of space. Bridgestone’s focus on co-creation and technological resilience reflects its corporate "E8 Commitment," which highlights innovation and sustainability to ensure “nonstop mobility.”
Beyond the immediate lunar application, Bridgestone sees this project as part of its broader mission to provide durable, high-performance solutions that can enhance exploration of new environments—whether on Earth or in space. Collaborating with Astrobotic, a recognised leader in space exploration technology, not only enhances Bridgestone's capabilities but also strengthens its network in the growing space sector.
Through this initiative, Bridgestone seeks to lead in the burgeoning field of space mobility by pushing the limits of tyre design and innovation. By advancing the role of tyres in space missions, Bridgestone is setting the stage for a future where human activities on the Moon—and potentially Mars—become a reality.
For more information about Bridgestone's lunar rover tyres, visit the company’s corporate website.
