Railways on

The Moon

An illustration of astronauts on the lunar surface

In 2023, the US research agency DARPA launched LunA-10, a 10-Year Lunar architecture capability study aimed at identifying risks and commercial solutions to enable future lunar economy, in anticipation of a burgeoning cislunar and lunar economy of scientific research and commercial development.

In 2024, Northrop Grumman were selected to further develop the concept of building a Moon-based railway network as part of the LunA-10 development. A study completed in June envisioned a lunar rail network that could access remote areas, including the permanently shadowed regions near the south pole, which may contain water, ice, and mineral deposits. The study looked at initial distances of up to 40 kilometers linking multiple sites, but could eventually extend to hundreds of kilometers.

• LunA-10
• Northrop Grumman