With traditional rubber tires unsuitable for lunar use, Bridgestone is developing metal tires to traverse the moon’s surface. The lunar surface is covered with fine sand called “regolith,” and there is a possibility that the tires may sink and get buried while driving.

1 day ago · Bridgestone's lunar rover tires utilize the technologies developed for the Company's nextgeneration tire "AirFree" combined with a structure of thin metal spokes *2 designed to deliver the ability to traverse and durability required for mobility on the lunar surface. This structure is expected to improve the ability for vehicles to traverse …

Nov 1, 2024 · The Bridgestone lunar rover tire applies skeletal structure of metal spokes and features an elastic structure that can deform when driving over obstacles, such as lunar rocks. This design aims to maximize shock absorption, traction, and to improve energy efficiency -- vital for extended missions.

5 days ago · Lunar Rover Tires at the Space Symposium Bridgestone Exhibit. Bridgestone will display at the Japan Space Industry booth. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency organized the booth. The company will present two concept models of its second-generation Lunar Rover Tires. They are designed to be lighter for smaller lunar rovers.

2 days ago · Bridgestone’s latest lunar rover tire designs build upon their 2024 second-generation model, which utilizes a flexible inner structure. However, the key difference lies in the tread: while the ...

2 days ago · Japanese tire maker Bridgestone is showing off two new lunar rover tire concepts at the 40th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs. Yes, they basically look like airless puncture-proof tires

6 days ago · The lunar rover tire development project is an initiative to expand the utilization of technologies developed in relation to the “AirFree Concept,” which has been positioned as an exploratory business in Bridgestone’s Mid Term Business Plan (2024-2026), from Earth to outer space and the lunar surface. ...

2 days ago · Bridgestone is getting ready to unveil two new prototypes of their second-generation lunar rover tires at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) booth during the 40th Space Symposium. These tires are designed for small and medium-sized rovers, and they’re lighter than the ones they revealed last year. The updates are all about making ...

5 days ago · Two new concept tires are designed for light and medium-sized rovers. Bridgestone is keen to embark beyond Planet Earth, rolling on some pretty radical concepts for all-in-one wheels designed...

Nov 6, 2024 · The Bridgestone lunar rover tire can deform when driving over obstacles like lunar rocks. Those capabilities come from the elastic skeletal structure of the metal spokes. According to the company, the design aims to maximize shock absorption and traction while improving energy efficiency.