The next time an astronaut is driving a vehicle moving on these tires he should quip “Look Ma, no air!”
Rightly so, because these ultra rugged wire tires are exactly that—made of woven wire. Wire springs to be specific. Layers and layers of springs designed to withstand the most extreme environments possible. Environments found beyond our world, unmindful of humanity’s feeble efforts to leave his temporal confines and lose himself in the vast unknown.
Okay, so the paragraph above went a bit over board. The point we’re making is NASA and Goodyear have conspired to build the ultimate off-road tire. The material is dead simple, its capabilities are awesome, to say the least. For example, these tires can withstand impacts and survive them much much better than your average inflated rubber. Since the material is made of springs, it also contours itself according to the terrain, providing excellent traction.
For these reasons the Spring Tire received the top prize at the R&D 100 in Orlando, Florida this year. Already tested on a lunar rover, the Spring Tire is set to become part of a lunar mission in the near future. Unless of course, India or China adapts this minor innovation and get there first.
Via Mangalorean
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
