US-based Astroport Space Technologies and Venturi Astrolab announced testing of a key Moon-based technology.
When humans will start living in a permanent moon base is something we don’t know yet, particularly given the extreme challenges and even the current delays to the Artemis II mission. But space agencies and private companies have been busy designing and testing technologies to be ready when the time comes.
Recently, US-based Astroport Space Technologies and Venturi Astrolab announced testing of a key Moon-based technology. The two companies recently concluded a field demonstration of a specialized lunar excavator payload, a machine designed to be the “industrial workhorse” for future space colonies. “This milestone marks the first in a planned suite of automated lunar construction solutions designed to pave the way for future lunar construction projects,” Astroport stated in the press release. Landing padsThe “Science-to-Construction” pipeline established by their new Memorandum of Understanding addresses a key problem: the Moon is a desolate, dusty construction site with no infrastructure. Spacecraft landing on the lunar surface currently kick up “plume” clouds of razor-sharp regolith that can shred equipment.To solve this, Astroport is developing tools to create sintered surfaces — essentially melting moon dust into solid landing pads and roads.“To meet the infrastructure needs of the emerging lunar economy, we must build the ‘Port’ before the ‘Ship’ arrives,” said Sam Ximenes, CEO of Astroport.At the heart of this operation is the Flexible Logistics and Exploration rover.Developed by Astrolab, FLEX is a modular mobility platform that can swap out payloads like a high-tech multi-tool. During the demo released on YouTube, Astroport’s excavator integrated with the rover, moving an average of 94kg of regolith in just 3.5 minutes.“The excavator demo serves as the foundational proof of concept for a broader family of interchangeable automated tools under development. This suite is specifically engineered to perform the site preparation required for “mission assurance” on the Moon,” the company stated. Long term persernce To build a sustainable lunar presence, robots must move thousands of tons of regolith to create stable infrastructure. This excavator is the first step in transforming the FLEX rover into a versatile, multi-purpose tool for lunar development. Prioritizing the construction of “ports” and essential infrastructure before large-scale missions arrive, the partnership aims to provide NASA and the Space Force with “shovel-ready” capabilities. Ultimately, the modular approach is designed to secure the lunar high ground and support a sustainable, long-term space economy.It could enable the precision excavation of habitat sites, the paving of lunar roadways for supply chains, and the construction of sintered launch pads to mitigate the hazardous dust plumes that threaten spacecraft.“Leading with this successful excavator demo proves that our technology is no longer theoretical—it is operational,” said Ximenes.Various other companies are also developing excavator technology for the Moon.Focused on the high-value goal of harvesting Helium-3 for quantum computing and fusion energy, Interlune is developing industrial-scale technology for resource extraction. In partnership with the heavy equipment manufacturer Vermeer Corp, they have designed a prototype capable of processing a massive 100 metric tons of regolith per hour.
Inventions And Machines Moon Moon Construction Space
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
This Week In Space podcast: Episode 199 — The Obsolete Astronaut?Space.com is the premier source of space exploration, innovation and astronomy news, chronicling (and celebrating) humanity's ongoing expansion across the final frontier. Originally founded in 1999, Space.com is, and always has been, the passion of writers and editors who are space fans and also trained journalists.
Read more »
Constant Space Launches Turning Earth’s Atmosphere Into a “Crematorium,” Scientists SayAt Futurism, my work has often centered on bringing a sense of clarity and insight to complex topics ranging from the regulation of emerging technologies to the esoteric ideologies of Silicon Valley executives, while striving not to lose the poetic sense of awe inspired by often-obscure fields like astrophysics and quantum computing.
Read more »
5 Art Deco-Inspired Furnishings That Bring a Touch of Glamour to Your SpaceSolid birchwood undergoes six layers of nanoplating before it becomes this eye-candy console, including a silver base for luminosity and hand-mixed, fully customizable colorways.
Read more »
Southwest Airlines to Improve Boarding and Overhead Bin SpaceSouthwest Airlines is making changes to its boarding process and aircraft to address customer complaints about assigned seating and overhead bin availability. The airline plans to refine boarding group assignments and install larger overhead bins in a majority of its fleet by the end of the year.
Read more »
Iran strikes erase ‘space’ between Trump and Netanyahu, insiders sayOperation Epic Fury indicates that President Trump has gotten over his past frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Read more »
Watch Firefly Aerospace's Alpha rocket return to flight today after 10-month groundingMichael Wall is a Senior Space Writer with Space.com and joined the team in 2010. He primarily covers exoplanets, spaceflight and military space, but has been known to dabble in the space art beat. His book about the search for alien life, 'Out There,' was published on Nov. 13, 2018.
Read more »