When we think of lunar exploration, we imagine rockets, spacesuits, complex antennas... but rarely tires. And yet, that's exactly where Bridgestone is focusing some of its innovation efforts. The Japanese company was recently present at the 40th Space Symposium, the largest space event in the United States, which took place from April 7 to 10, 2025 in Colorado Springs. The company exhibited its latest lunar tires prototype, designed for small and medium-sized exploration vehicles. A daring project that embodies the company's determination to take mankind ever further, even beyond the Earth!
A new generation of lunar tires
Since 2019, Bridgestone has been developing lunar tire technology for exploration rovers. At the Space Symposium, the company will present two conceptual second-generation models, lightened and reinforced to face the unique challenges of the lunar surface. These tires, inspired by the AirFree concept, are designed without air and offer exceptional resistance, ideal for uneven terrain and extreme temperatures. Drawing on its expertise in motorsports, Bridgestone here adapts cutting-edge technologies to a space environment.
Innovating on the Moon for better driving on Earth
This lunar tire project is not limited to space: it is fully integrated into Bridgestone's 2024-2026 strategic plan. The company sees it as an opportunity to push back technological limits in an extreme environment, and then apply these innovations to its terrestrial products. A doubly profitable approach, in line with the Bridgestone E8 Commitment program, with a clear ambition to create more sustainable and safer mobility for all, on the Moon as on Earth.
Objective: international space cooperation
Beyond its technical innovations, Bridgestone is also banking on collaboration. It will be exhibiting its lunar tires in the Japanese space industry pavilion, alongside other companies such as JAXA, Toyota and Idemitsu. The company also took part in a panel discussion on space cooperation between Japan and the United States, highlighting its partnership with Astrobotic, an American company specializing in lunar exploration. This was Bridgestone's way of confirming its role in tomorrow's mobility... even 384,000 km from home!
