Toyota and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency ( JAXA ) have signed a three - year joint research agreement to develop prototype fuel cell rovers for a lunar mission slated for 2019 . The first year of the partnership will focus on identifying technical requirements and drawing up specifications , while subsequent years will cover building and testing the prototype ahead of potential production . Ultimately, JAXA’s goal is to host a series of uncrewed and human missions under a broader Lunar Exploration Program, with the ultimate aim of establishing a presence for Japanese astronauts in a combined international lunar outpost program. The collaboration , originally announced in March , is part of JAXA 's broader lunar exploration program .
Toyota and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency ( JAXA ) have signed a three - year joint research agreement to develop prototype fuel cell rovers for a lunar mission slated for 2019 . The first year of the partnership will focus on identifying technical requirements and drawing up specifications , while subsequent years will cover building and testing the prototype ahead of potential production . The collaboration , originally announced in March , is part of JAXA 's broader lunar exploration program .