bbc.com
Puncture-Proof Tires: A Crucial Technology for Lunar and Martian Exploration
NASA's Artemis program plans to send humans to the Moon by 2027, covering 10,000 km in 10 years using durable, puncture-proof tires capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and heavy loads. Michelin and Bridgestone are developing innovative tire technologies using metallic alloys and biomimetic designs, with NASA selecting a technology this year.
- How do the extreme temperature variations and harsh surface conditions of the Moon and Mars affect tire design and material selection for robotic and human missions?
- The challenge lies in developing tires capable of withstanding extreme temperature fluctuations (-230°C at lunar poles) and the high loads of larger scientific platforms and habitats. Traditional materials fail under these conditions; thus, research focuses on metallic alloys and high-performance plastics like nitinol, a nickel-titanium alloy with shape-memory properties, or biomimetic designs inspired by camel hooves.
- What technological challenges must be overcome to enable long-duration, extensive lunar exploration missions, and how will successful solutions impact future space exploration?
- The Artemis program aims to send humans to the Moon by 2027, with subsequent missions exploring the lunar south pole using rovers. These missions plan to cover 10,000 kilometers over 10 years, significantly exceeding the 40 km maximum achieved by Apollo missions. This necessitates durable, puncture-proof tires capable of withstanding extreme temperature variations and heavy loads.
- What innovative materials and design approaches are being explored to create puncture-proof tires for extraterrestrial exploration, and what are the potential broader applications of these technologies on Earth?
- Future lunar and Martian missions require revolutionary tire technology. The extreme conditions necessitate materials that can withstand extreme temperatures and repeated deformation without losing efficiency. Companies like Michelin and Bridgestone are developing innovative solutions, using materials like nitinol or biomimetic designs. NASA will select a tire technology this year, potentially combining elements from multiple proposals.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the technological hurdles and the innovative solutions being developed, presenting a positive and forward-looking perspective on space exploration. The headline itself, "Як не пробити колесо на Місяці", highlights the problem and implies a solution is underway, thereby setting a positive tone.
Language Bias
The language used is mostly neutral and objective. The description of nitinol's properties as "one of the craziest things you'll ever see" might be considered slightly informal, but doesn't significantly skew the overall tone.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the technological challenges of creating puncture-proof tires for lunar rovers and doesn't delve into other potential obstacles or challenges of lunar exploration, such as radiation exposure, extreme temperature fluctuations, or the psychological impact on astronauts. It also omits discussion of alternative transportation methods for lunar exploration.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article focuses on the development of innovative tire technology for lunar rovers. This directly contributes to advancements in materials science, engineering, and space exploration infrastructure, crucial for future space missions and potentially transferable to terrestrial applications.