Nissan unveils the out-of-this-world Nissan Navara Dark Sky Concept at the 2018 Hannover Motor Show, proving that the sky is never the limit.
Built in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA), the Navara Dark Sky Concept incorporates an ‘observatory-class’ telescope on a bespoke trailer.
It also features Nissan’s ProPilot driver assist technology, which in this case has been re-engineered and upgraded to offer safe and efficient towing. The vehicle features an observatory-class PlaneWave telescope. Which sits on an off-road trailer with “Intelligent Mobility” technologies that facilitate safe passage of the telescope to areas away from light pollution – areas known as ‘dark sky’ locations.
The ESA is currently creating an intricate map of the heavens with its Gaia satellite – and has already located more than a billion stars. The Navara Dark Sky Concept has been designed to aid astronomers in making follow-up observations of the night skies in difficult-to-access locations.
Once at the desired destination, the trailer module's mechanised roof opens to focus the telescope on the night sky.
“The Nissan Navara Dark Sky Concept is a brilliant example of Nissan serving as an authentic partner, empowering our customers to go anywhere,” said Ashwani Gupta, senior vice-president of Nissan’s light commercial vehicle business.
“Through Nissan Intelligent Mobility and ProPilot, we are creating the best solutions for the next frontiers of business, no matter how complex the commercial need.”
The exterior of the truck has been painted with nebula motifs, while the interior is finished in orange shades with reflective orange piping on the seats. It also uses red interior lighting to minimise any effects on people’s night vision, since red light affects it the least.
In order for the telescope to achieve thermal stability, the trailer contains a refrigerated astrosphere. Other commercial-oriented smart features include WiFi, electric-vehicle battery technology, a laptop station, and UHF transmission “to relay data instantaneously, anywhere in the world,” according to the ESA.
Once at the required spot, the trailer’s mechanical roof can be activated, allowing the PlaneWave telescope to be trained on the sky. The optical device is so powerful that it is capable of viewing beyond the rings of Saturn.
The concept was revealed at today’s Hannover Motor Show.
