Hyundai Motor Group, which is advancing towards new targets in the automotive industry and especially in electrification, is now starting space exploration. Working with aerospace research organizations, the company is preparing to develop lunar exploration platform and explorer robots.
Hyundai will benefit from its experience in space
Wanting to support ideas such as the journey to the moon and space adventure that have excited humanity throughout history, with more concrete examples, Hyundai aims to benefit more from science and technology in order to go to the Moon and move to a different dimension in mobility.
Korea Institute of Astronomy and Space Sciences (KASI), Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), Korea Civil Engineering and Construction Technology Institute (KICT), Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), and Korea Having signed a joint research and development agreement with research centers in the aerospace sector such as the Automotive Technology Institute (KATECH), Hyundai will thus contribute to the greater benefit of humanity from science and technology.
After discussions with partner organizations, Hyundai Motor Group decided to conduct its first space exploration on the lunar surface. The group, which plans to complete its first test unit in the second half of 2024, aims to create a model with mobility in 2027. Wanting to expand the scope of human access and mobility experiences, Hyundai aims to use all the experiences it will gain in space in all areas of life.
The lunar platform and explorer robotics, which will be jointly developed with Korean organizations, are very important for Hyundai Motor Group’s autonomous driving technologies, the driving system consisting of electric motor, chassis and suspension, solar panel and battery charging parts, as well as the mobile special robot developed by Hyundai Rotem. It will be an important test.
The platform and robotics will have thermal management functionality and radiation shielding to withstand the conditions of the lunar surface. After the research and development phases, the group, which will enter the testing phase in an environment close to the lunar surface, plans to land the platform and robotics near the south pole of the moon. It is stated that the weight of solar powered and autonomous driving robots is approximately 70 kilograms.
Robotics, which will also have a special movement mechanism for excavating the lunar surface and taking sample materials, can provide important steps in both aviation and automotive sectors by performing various scientific tasks. So what do you think about Hyundai and its work to go to the Moon? You can share your views with us in the comments section.