Michelin's Lunar Tyre Innovation Powers NASA Rover Trials
NASA’s Small Pressurized Lunar Rover used Michelin’s patented non-pneumatic tyres during 2008 field tests in Hawaii, marking a step forward in extraterrestrial vehicle mobility.
NASA’s Small Pressurized Lunar Rover rolled on Michelin’s innovative non-pneumatic tyres during field testing in Hawaii between late October and mid-November 2008. The project marked a technical milestone for Michelin, whose European and North American research teams jointly developed a structurally supported tyre and wheel assembly specifically for lunar applications.
Tweel technology adapted for lunar conditions
The Michelin Lunar Wheel draws on the company’s Tweel concept, a non-pneumatic design that eliminates the risk of punctures and provides flexibility under load. For lunar use, Michelin’s engineers focused on maintaining constant ground pressure and mobility over loose, powdery soil and cratered surfaces. The result is a wheel that combines low weight with a high load-carrying capacity, which Michelin said is over three times more efficient than the original Apollo Lunar Rover wheels.
A textile tread, developed with Clemson University and Milliken & Company, enables the wheel to maintain grip even at very low temperatures. This is critical for lunar missions, where surface temperatures can drop far below those encountered on Earth. The patented composite materials used in the structure further support the wheel’s resilience and flexibility, essential qualities for navigating unpredictable extraterrestrial terrain.
Field testing in Hawaii for lunar simulation
NASA selected Hawaii’s Big Island for its lunar analogue testing programme due to the similarity of its terrain, rock distribution and soil composition to the Moon’s polar regions. The Michelin Lunar Wheel underwent evaluation there from 31 October to 13 November 2008, fitted to the Small Pressurized Lunar Rover prototype. The tyre’s ability to maintain traction and flexibility in these conditions was a key factor in its selection for the test programme.
Public debut and ongoing partnership
The Michelin Lunar Wheel made its public debut at the 56th US presidential inauguration in January 2009. NASA’s rover prototype, equipped with the new wheel technology, rolled down Pennsylvania Avenue as part of the celebrations. Michelin’s partnership with NASA stretches back over 20 years, with the company supplying tyres for the Space Shuttle and other space vehicles.
The lunar wheel project demonstrates how Michelin’s research into non-pneumatic tyres has moved from concept to practical application in some of the harshest environments. Its work with NASA continues to influence tyre technology for both terrestrial and extraterrestrial vehicles.
