Bridgestone enters tyre supply agreement for lunar rovers

Bridgestone has signed a basic agreement with Japanese manufacturer Ispace for the supply of tyres for small and medium-sized lunar rovers.

Bridgestone has already been developing elastic tyres that can flexibly change shape in response to harsh surface like those on the moon, to provide high ability to traverse and durability for lunar rovers.

These tyres will be equipped on the small and medium-sized lunar rover prototypes developed by Ispace. Bridgestone said performance verification will be conducted on earth ahead of use on the moon from “as early as around 2029”.

“Bridgestone began research and development of tyres for lunar rovers in 2019. In April 2025, we unveiled concept models featuring reduced weight for small and medium-sized lunar rovers, and we are working to further expand our network in the space business and create new opportunities for co-creation. We are very honoured to start collaborating with Ispace, who shares our vision for these initiatives,” said Masaki Ota, director, OE business strategy & planning/new mobility business division, Bridgestone Corporation.

“Bridgestone’s lunar rover tyre has a structure of thin metal spokes, enabling flexible deformation while maintaining durability. This design delivers superior ability to traverse and shock absorption, allowing the rover to traverse the lunar surface and overcome obstacles such as lunar rocks.

“With these technical features, our tyres support Ispace’s rover from the ground up in the harsh lunar environment, as we take on various missions together. Through collaboration with Ispace, a space startup originating in Japan, we aim to establish the superiority of our lunar rover tyre technology and contribute to the advancement of lunar development in Japan,” Ota added.

Takeshi Hakamada, Founder and CEO of Ispace added: “Bridgestone, who has driven the evolution of mobility worldwide through its technological expertise, is now developing lunar rover tyres for the extreme environments found on the moon. These tyres will undoubtedly contribute to future human advancement on the moon.

“The micro rovers being developed by Ispace are some of the world’s smallest lunar rovers. They will be indispensable technology for the moon, and a new frontier for humanity. We look forward to this collaborative effort with Bridgestone.”