While Hyundai is by far best known for its earthbound vehicles, the automaker recently began work on something a little more out-of-this-world. This past Wednesday, April 19, Hyundai Motor Group announced it had started constructing an initial development model of a moon exploration mobility rover. Hyundai's lunar aspirations began last July 2022 when the Group signed a joint multilateral research agreement with six Korean aerospace institutes to run and support a consultative effort to develop mobility solutions for lunar surface exploration.
Other signatories include Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI), Electronics and Telecommunication Research Institute (ETRI), Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT), Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) and Korea Automotive Technology Institute (KATECH).
Hyundai will be leveraging its advanced robotics and autonomous driving technologies (camera, LiDAR), driving system (motor, wheels, suspension), charging parts (solar panel, battery), and Hyundai Rotem's robot manufacturing technology as part of a multi-purpose mobility platform.
"Hyundai Motor Group has consistently stated its goal is to contribute to expanding human reach and the scope of human mobility experiences," said Yong Wha Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of R&D Planning & Coordination Center of Hyundai Motor and Kia. "The creation of the lunar exploration mobility development model not only reflects this goal, but also shows our ambition to achieve tangible results in the face of significant challenges. With the rover's development, we are moving beyond land, sea, and air mobility to expand into space mobility."
If you'd like more information about the latest non-spacefaring Hyundai models and their available features, special financing offers, and reservation opportunities, please reach out to Hyundai of Noblesville at your convenience. And if you'd like to try out any of our outstanding new Hyundai cars and crossovers for yourself, we welcome you to stop by our Indianapolis-area Hyundai dealership, where you can take one for a spin. We'd love to give you a tour.
