DARPA, a United States Department of Defense agency that focuses on advanced technology research and development, has selected Northrop Grumman for the further development of its moon-based railroad network concept. This project aligns with the US goal of fostering a growing space economy.
Northrop Grumman, which specializes in integrating complex systems and commercialized autonomous services for sustainable advancements in the space sector, has been tasked with defining the necessary interfaces and resources for constructing a moon-based rail network. The company will also assess potential costs, risks, and technological challenges and explore concepts for the system’s design and operation using robotics.
The collaboration between DARPA and Northrop Grumman marks a significant step towards advancing space exploration and infrastructure development beyond Earth’s orbit. The lunar railroad proposed by DARPA could serve as a means to transport humans, supplies, and resources across the lunar surface. With this new study, Northrop Grumman is expected to contribute significantly to developing a “lunar economy.”
