Hyundai Motor Group begins development of lunar exploration vehicle

A rendered image of Hyundai's Rover exploring the surface of the moon. [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

Hyundai Motor Group has begun developing a vehicle for lunar exploration, with the goal of sending it to the moon in 2027.

The automaker said Thursday they have started a joint development of the vehicle, named Rover, with six state-run institutes including the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, and the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology.

Rover will be equipped with Hyundai and Kia's advanced robotics, autonomous driving and solar panel charging technologies, as well as Hyundai Rotem’s robot manufacturing capabilities.

Weighing around 70 kilograms (154 pounds), Hyundai plans to land the rover near the south pole of the moon.

The consultative body expects it to function as a mobility platform, supporting an upper part that will hold a variety of advanced technologies for digging, excavation and human exploration of the lunar surface for resources.

Hyundai expects to complete the development of the initial unit by as early as the second half of 2024 and aims to create a model that has launch capability in 2027.

“Hyundai Motor Group has consistently stated its goal is to contribute to expanding human reach and the scope of human mobility experiences,” said Kim Yong-wha, executive vice president at 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."

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]