Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has been selected by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop a concept for a lunar rail network. This ambitious project is part of DARPA's LunA-10 Capability Study, a comprehensive 10-year study of lunar architecture aimed at establishing a sustainable space economy.
The envisioned lunar rail network will facilitate the movement of people, supplies, and resources across the lunar surface and lay the foundation for extensive commercial ventures and collaborations between the United States and its international partners. Northrop Grumman's study will focus on several key areas, including defining the interfaces and resources needed to build a lunar rail system; identifying potential costs, technological challenges, and logistical risks; and exploring the concept design and architecture of a fully operational lunar rail system.
A key aspect of the study will be to investigate robotic construction and operation techniques for the rail system, covering tasks such as grading, foundation preparation, track laying, inspection and maintenance.
“This investment in key developmental research keeps our technology at the forefront of next generation solutions. With our proven experience in the integration of complex systems and commercialized autonomous services, we will continue to create lasting change for a sustainable space ecosystem,” commented Chris Adams, vice president and general manager, strategic space systems, Northrop Grumman.
