A group of private researchers and engineers in Japan has unveiled a prototype rover designed to explore the lunar surface. If successful, it will be Japan's first moon vehicle.
The Hakuto team consisting of about 80 members showed their product to the media in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo.
The team is one of 16 participating in an international contest to be the first to successfully explore the Moon's surface by the end of 2017. The competition is being held by the US IT giant Google and a private foundation.
The vehicle is about 60 centimeters long and weighs roughly 7 kilograms. The team plans to cut the weight and complete the craft by around the middle of next year.
The team's members aim to become the first Japanese to successfully conduct a lunar surface exploration.
Team leader Takeshi Hakamada says the space industry in Western countries is about to make major strides. He says Japan has high levels of technology but has been slow to develop it.
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20151024_21.html
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