The Mitsubishi Chemical Group’s Highly Rigid and Lightweight Aerospace Materials Contribute to Image Capture and Image Data Transmission by the Lunar Rover YAOKI

On March 7, 2025, the lunar rover YAOKI, developed by Dymon Co., Ltd., successfully reached the Moon and transmitted images of the lunar surface back to Earth, marking a significant milestone as Japan’s first private-sector lunar rover operation. The Mitsubishi Chemical Group (MCG) played a crucial role in this achievement by supplying advanced aerospace materials that enhanced YAOKI’s performance:

• Compliant Mechanism Design: MCG utilized super engineering plastics in a one-piece injection molding process to create complex shapes for YAOKI’s structural components, achieving both flexibility and durability.
• Cyanate Ester-Based Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP): By replacing conventional aluminum with CFRP in YAOKI’s body and deployer, MCG improved the rover’s thermal resistance and strength, resulting in a 30% weight reduction and a five-fold increase in shock resistance.

These innovations underscore MCG’s commitment to advancing aerospace technology and supporting private-sector space exploration initiatives. 

Source : Mitsubishi Chemical Group