GAC Group joins R&D, design of lunar rover’s prototype

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On February 12, the China Manned Space Agency ("CMSA") officially announced the names for its lunar exploration mission's crewed equipment. The moon-landing spacesuit has been named "Wangyu" (望宇), while the manned lunar rover is called "Tansuo" (探索), meaning to explore the unknown.

Notably, GAC Group is collaborating with the China Academy of Space Technology ("CAST") of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation ("CASC"), also known as the 5th Academy of CASC, to develop the prototype of the Tansuo lunar rover.

China aims to land its first astronauts on the moon by 2030, with two crew members set to operate the Tansuo rover for scientific exploration. Designed to expand astronauts' range of activity and improve work efficiency, the rover is a key component of the country's future lunar exploration missions.

The Tansuo rover features a modular, foldable design capable of carrying two astronauts. Once deployed on the lunar surface, it will support rapid mobility across rugged terrain, navigation and positioning, safety assistance, real-time Earth communication, and efficient payload transportation. It will also coordinate with other equipment for integrated human-machine lunar exploration.

The name "Tansuo" reflects China's commitment to exploring the unknown and aligns with the national vision of advancing space technology and becoming a leading space power. It embodies the spirit of continuous innovation in China's manned space program.

Currently, both the Wangyu moon-landing spacesuit and the Tansuo lunar rover have entered the prototype development phase, with progress moving smoothly.

In May 2023, the CMSA launched a nationwide call for lunar rover design proposals. After 18 months of evaluation, CAST, in partnership with GAC Group and the Kong Kong Polytechnic University, secured a contract to develop the prototype, becoming one of the selected teams for the project.

Boasting the development capabilities of complete vehicles and relevant core components, GAC Group, brings its expertise in automobile engineering, new energy vehicles, and intelligent connectivity to the Tansuo rover's development. With advanced R&D facilities and a comprehensive testing and verification system, GAC Group supports the rover's chassis design, exterior styling, performance testing, and system integration.

In chassis design, GAC Group and CAST are collaborating on vehicle dynamics, intelligent chassis control, and suspension design and testing. Thanks to these efforts, the Tansuo rover achieves outstanding resilience, smoothness, and stability, while ensuring high reliability for lunar operations.

As for exterior design, GAC Group said it has not only met the rover's technical and engineering requirements, but also incorporated elements of Chinese traditional culture, blending cutting-edge technology with deep cultural heritage in the rover's overall aesthetic.