“Bridgestone’s Lunar Tires: Honored as the ‘Tire Idea of the Year'”

This prestigious award celebrates the most innovative and forward-thinking tire design concepts in the industry.

The recognition from both tire and research experts underscores Bridgestone’s creative efforts in developing tire technology that propels space mobility from its basic foundations, under unprecedented environmental conditions on Earth.

Aptly named the Autonomous Lunar Tire, this special tire from Bridgestone utilizes technology developed for their next-generation “AirFree” line, combined with a thin metal mesh structure designed to ensure the necessary flexibility and durability for lunar roving. This structure is expected to improve mobility on the lunar surface, which is covered by a fine layer of dust called “regolith,” thanks to its ability to deform flexibly while maintaining strength under harsh conditions such as vacuum, extreme temperature variations, and cosmic radiation.

Additionally, the tire is expected to be capable of absorbing impacts from rocks or other obstacles and continuing its operation. This superior flexibility and durability form the foundation of Bridgestone’s journey in supporting human safety, security, and aspirations in space exploration from the very first steps.

Aligned with Bridgestone’s core philosophy of “Tires carry life,” the company aims to promote co-creation initiatives by demonstrating a spirit of conquest and pursuing excellence through the development of autonomous lunar tires, starting in 2019.

Through this project, Bridgestone targets becoming an indispensable player in the future of mobility by conquering a new “extreme” environment in human activity – the lunar surface.

By supporting space mobility with autonomous lunar tire technology, Bridgestone strives to fulfill its commitment to “Extension”: a pledge to keep moving forward and evolving, so people and the world can too – a part of Bridgestone’s E8 commitment.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)