Toyota Invests $44M in Space

Toyota’s ambitions are reaching beyond the roads and into space. The automotive giant recently made headlines by investing US$44.4 million into Japanese space start-up Interstellar Technologies, aiming to leverage its manufacturing expertise for mass rocket production. However, Toyota isn’t the only carmaker setting its sights on the stars; other industry leaders are also making strategic moves in the space sector.

Toyota’s involvement in space dates back to 2019, when it partnered with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to support NASA’s Artemis program. This collaboration led to the development of the Lunar Cruiser, a futuristic vehicle for moon exploration.

The company’s latest investment through its subsidiary, Woven by Toyota, marks another significant step in expanding its space footprint. The goal? To support the increasing demand for small satellite launches and accelerate technological advancements in space travel.

Automakers Exploring Space Tech

Toyota is not alone in this venture. Other car manufacturers have also entered the space industry, each bringing unique innovations to the table

In 2015, Audi attempted to develop a lunar rover using its Quattro all-wheel-drive technology in collaboration with Part-Time Scientists. While the project did not succeed, it set a precedent for automakers exploring extraterrestrial mobility.

More recently, in January 2023, Honda deepened its partnership with JAXA, unveiling a prototype of a renewable energy system. This advanced model integrates Honda’s high differential pressure water electrolysis technology with a fuel cell system, enabling continuous production of oxygen, hydrogen, and electricity from solar energy and water.

Hyundai, Nissan, and Chrysler have also signaled interest in space-related investments, recognizing the potential for cross-industry collaboration and technological breakthroughs.

The Strategy Behind the Space Race

While these automakers are investing heavily in space, the motivation isn’t solely financial. Unlike traditional revenue-driven ventures, space programs are platforms for innovation, branding, and sustainability.

For Toyota and its peers, engaging in space exploration aligns with broader goals, including cutting-edge research and development, enhancing brand image, and fostering sustainable technologies that could benefit Earth and future space missions.