NASA’s large-scale Artemis project assumes the return of humans to the moon by the end of this decade. Some private companies are already looking to the future, and are developing their own projects that will be implemented after the colonization of the Moon. Northrop Grumman is exploring the possibility of building a railway on the moon.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has begun a study of Lunar architecture as part of the 10-year Lunar Architecture (LunA-10) Capability Study to support the exploration of the Moon. The LunA-10 study aims to create an analytical foundation for new opportunities on and around the moon. Its goals include the development of technologies to optimize the lunar infrastructure and the transition to joint systems.
Northrop Grumman has been selected to develop a lunar rail network that will facilitate exploration and scientific research. According to the plan, the railway would greatly simplify logistics on the surface of the Moon, combining various outposts and commercial enterprises that will be deployed on our moon.
Over the next 10 years, the company must develop a railway infrastructure plan that will connect lunar objects and allow the movement of people and resources. The company’s responsibilities include identifying the necessary technologies and resources, prototyping, and researching robotics concepts to build and operate the system.
Northrop Grumman has become one of 14 companies selected by DARPA to develop concepts for the future lunar economy. The main research areas include power generation, mining on the Moon and their use, as well as communications and logistics.
According to universetoday.com
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