NASA reinvents the wheel with a new type of material that never wears out.
The first space vehicle, Moon Walker, used in 1970 eight stiff wire mesh wheels with bicycle-like spokes and metal lugs for traction.
After decades of readjustments, today we have the most perfect wheel design ever designed to explore the surface of bodies like the Moon or Mars.
You will never get a puncture. Nor is it necessary to change it from time to time. And, in addition, it is the most elastic material in the world.
The secret is shape memory titanium, a new alloy of nickel and titanium.
It has the ability to grip and traction similar to that of the traditional tire, but it does not sink in sandy terrain. Despite its seemingly fragile appearance, it can withstand high loads while adjusting perfectly to the terrain.
Has the wheel of the future arrived?
