Northrop Grumman Corporation has been awarded a significant role by DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) to advance the concept of constructing a moon-based railroad network within the framework of the 10-year Lunar Architecture (LunA-10) Capability Study. This pioneering initiative aims to establish an infrastructure that could facilitate the transportation of humans, supplies, and resources for commercial activities across the lunar surface, thereby fostering a robust space economy for the United States and its international partners.
The scope of Northrop Grumman’s study encompasses several key objectives. Firstly, the company will define the interfaces and resources necessary for the construction of a lunar rail network. Additionally, Northrop Grumman will identify potential cost, technological, and logistical risks associated with the project, while also proposing prototypes, demonstrations, and analyses to validate the concept design and architecture of a fully operational lunar rail system. Furthermore, the study will explore innovative approaches involving robotics for the construction and operation of the rail network, including tasks such as grading, track placement, inspection, maintenance, and repair.
Chris Adams, Vice President and General Manager of Strategic Space Systems at Northrop Grumman, said: “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 commercialised autonomous services, we will continue to create lasting change for a sustainable space ecosystem.”
DARPA’s LunA-10 Capability Study represents a strategic shift towards collaborative and scalable technological solutions for lunar exploration. By fostering integrated lunar infrastructure with minimal environmental impact, the initiative aims to provide commercial services for future lunar missions while maximising the efficiency of lunar operations.
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