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Imagine how wonderful it would be to travel across the lunar surface while slowly chugging along with the rhythmic motion of a train. If the US has its way, the day this will be a common occurrence may be close.
In a strategic move to advance lunar infrastructure, Northrop Grumman has been selected by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the research and development wing of the US Department of Defense, to develop a pioneering concept: a moon-based railroad network.
This ambitious project falls under DARPA’s Lunar Architecture (LunA-10) Capability Study, aimed at fostering a sustainable lunar economy.
DARPA, renowned for its pivotal role in driving technological innovation, including contributions to the historic Apollo program, envisions the lunar railroad as a transformative means to facilitate the transportation of humans, supplies, and resources across the lunar surface.
The initiative aligns with the United States’ strategic focus on fostering a robust space economy.
Chris Adams, Vice President and General Manager of Strategic Space Systems at Northrop Grumman, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “This investment in key developmental research keeps our technology at the forefront of next-generation solutions.” Adams highlighted the company’s track record in integrating complex systems and delivering autonomous services, underscoring its commitment to catalyzing sustainable change within the space ecosystem.
Northrop Grumman will undertake a series of pivotal tasks as part of the study. Initially, the company will define the interfaces and resources necessary for constructing a lunar rail network. Subsequently, it will meticulously assess foreseeable challenges, encompassing cost, technological, and logistical considerations.
To materialize the concept into reality, Northrop Grumman will embark on prototyping, demonstrations, and comprehensive analyses of the lunar rail system’s design and architecture. The company’s scope will explore innovative methodologies leveraging robotics for various system construction and operation phases. This includes grading and foundation preparation, track placement and alignment, inspection, maintenance, and repair protocols.
The collaboration between DARPA and Northrop Grumman heralds a new chapter in lunar exploration and infrastructure development. By harnessing cutting-edge technology and expertise, the envisioned moon-based railroad network holds the potential to revolutionize transportation logistics on the lunar surface, paving the way for sustained human presence and resource utilization in space.
