From MIT Technology Review · · 2m
The Download: moon city problems and drone traffic controllers
Building a lunar base, cement that cuts emissions, and the new job of drone air traffic controller.
In brief
Building a lunar base, cement that cuts emissions, and the new job of drone air traffic controller. NASA plans a lunar city by century's end but faces hostile conditions; a startup pivots its cement technology between administrations; and a new job emerges managing delivery drone fleets. Originally reported by MIT…
The US and China race to the moon
NASA hopes to establish a small lunar city by the end of the century. The US and China are both racing to build bases on the moon.
The moon is a hostile place
A lunar base must protect inhabitants from falling asteroids, endless cosmic radiation, razor-sharp lunar dust, and torturous temperature swings.
Bases need to be self-sustaining
A sprawling lunar base will require autonomous robots, nuclear power, and a way to use the moon's resources to keep the base operating.
Political will is the chief obstacle
The chief obstacle to building a city on the moon may be one of political will, not technology or engineering.
Brimstone makes cleaner cement
Brimstone is a US startup that is part green cement company, part critical mineral producer. Its cement generates about sixty percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
It switches rocks instead of limestone
Brimstone achieves lower emissions by switching to silicate rocks instead of standard limestone, which releases carbon dioxide when heated.
The company pivots its pitch
During the Biden administration, Brimstone pitched cement with lower emissions. Under the Trump administration, it emphasizes extracting valuable materials from the same rocks.
Trevor Wischnewsky found his calling
Trevor Wischnewsky heard drones were delivering pizza and sushi around his Texas neighborhood. He says it was super fascinating and he immediately wanted to be part of it.
“It was super fascinating. I just immediately wanted to be a part of it.”
Meet the drone air traffic controller
Wischnewsky is now an RPIC, or remote pilot in command, at FlyTrex. An RPIC is like an air traffic controller but oversees fleets of drones ferrying cargo to homes and businesses.
A new job for the drone age
As delivery drones become common, the role of remote pilot in command is emerging as a new job title. It requires managing multiple drone flights across neighborhoods and cities.
The key point
NASA plans a lunar city by century's end but faces hostile conditions; a startup pivots its cement technology between administrations; and a new job emerges managing delivery drone fleets.
