Bridgestone Showcases Next-Generation Lunar Rover Tire Concepts
Date：2025/4/21
Recently, Bridgestone Corporation participated in the 40th Space Symposium, the largest space-related conference in the United States. The company exhibited at the Japan's Space Industry pavilion, organized by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
Bridgestone unveiled two conceptual models of its second-generation lunar rover tires, refined from last year’s designs to be lighter in weight and suitable for small to medium-sized lunar rovers. This demonstration highlighted Bridgestone’s efforts to expand its space industry network and foster collaborative opportunities.
[Conceptual Models of Bridgestone’s Lunar Rover Tires for Small/Medium Rovers]
With over 90 years of tire development expertise, Bridgestone has supported ground mobility worldwide. Now, the company is leveraging innovation to advance space mobility. Its experience in extreme conditions—such as motorsports—has honed its capabilities to tackle lunar exploration challenges and drive progress in lunar rover tire technology.
Bridgestone is also actively pursuing partnerships in this field, including a 2024 collaboration agreement with Astrobotic, a leading U.S. space exploration and technology company.
As part of its mid-term business plan (2024–2026), Bridgestone’s lunar rover tire development initiative explores extending its AirFree technology from Earth to space and the lunar surface. The company aims to apply insights gained from the harsh lunar environment to enhance terrestrial tires, creating further value.
In addition to displaying its tire concepts, Bridgestone joined a collaborative panel discussion with Toyota Motor Corporation, Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., and the Space Foundation, the organizer of the symposium.
Through lunar rover tire development, Bridgestone advances its corporate commitment under the Bridgestone E8 Commitment—specifically, Extension: Committed to enabling seamless mobility and empowering society’s dreams through innovation.