Space exploration just got a whole lot cooler thanks to a new collaboration between the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Takara Tomy, the company behind the iconic Transformers franchise. Buckle up, because JAXA's proposed Lunar Cruiser moon rover isn't just designed for lunar adventures – it transforms into Optimus Prime, the legendary leader of the Autobots!
This isn't just a figment of our imagination. JAXA and Toyota have been working on the Lunar Cruiser concept for several years, envisioning a pressurized rover that would allow astronauts to embark on extended lunar expeditions. The design features a fuel cell power system from Toyota, alongside deployable solar panels, making it a true marvel of engineering.
Takara Tomy's ingenious toy takes the Lunar Cruiser concept and injects a healthy dose of Transformers magic. This meticulously detailed figure transforms from the sleek Lunar Cruiser with its expansive windows and wide antenna (based on the 2019 concept) into the mighty Optimus Prime, standing at a formidable 7 inches tall.
The transformation process involves around two dozen steps, making it a rewarding challenge for Transformers fans of all ages. The included solar panel accessory adds another layer of play, transforming into a shield for Optimus Prime or attaching to the Lunar Cruiser in rover mode.
This isn't the first time Transformers have taken to the cosmos. The franchise boasts characters like Astrotrain, Galaxy Shuttle, and Sky Lynx, all capable of transforming into spacefaring vehicles. The 2011 movie "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" even incorporated NASA iconography and featured a cameo by Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin!
This Lunar Cruiser Optimus Prime release further strengthens the connection between Transformers and space exploration. It follows the recent launch of Takara Tomy's Sora-Q transforming rover, deployed by Japan's SLIM lunar lander in January 2024.
0 Comments