Human space travel isn’t quite 100 years old yet, only beginning in 1961, but has already generated numerous dividends. NASA cites numerous items, now in everyday use, that were originally invented or developed for space travel. You are probably familiar with camera phones, foil blankets, freeze-dried foods, wireless headsets and many more, but what has the space program contributed to automobiles?

The Global Positioning System (GPS) leaps to mind, which is the basis of satellite navigations systems. Tire pressure sensors, now required equipment on automobiles in the U.S., were originally develop for the space shuttle. Other types of sensors and computer algorithms that were developed for remote vehicles on the moon and other planets are now being used to automate the driving experience, culminating in self-driving cars.

The Artemis program, with the goals of establishing a human long-term presence on the moon, and then sending astronauts to Mars, is likely to have a direct impact on the automobile in a way that seems simple at first but has been a vexing problem since the beginning of wheeled transportation. For more than 150 years, the pneumatic (or air-filled) tire has been the solution of choice for having the best balance of numerous performance characteristics. Specifically, pneumatic tires provide high friction at the contact surface with a variety of road surfaces (necessary for acceleration, steering and braking), good wear resistance and the ability to absorb impact with limited transmission to the rest of the vehicle and the passengers.

Drawbacks, however, include the need to maintain pressure within a fairly narrow range (tire performance suffers with over- or underinflation), and that relatively minor damage (such as a puncture) can result in sudden loss of pressure. The Artemis program will include land vehicles for the moon base, and pneumatic tires are not considered suitable for the mission. A solid tire, however, lacks the friction and comfort characteristics considered necessary for the application. The preferred solution, therefore, is a semisolid, airless tire. NASA is working with terrestrial tire suppliers to develop a tire that basically uses composite spokes to give the tire sufficient compliance and dampening characteristics.

The good news for today’s driver is, at least one tire supplier and one major automotive manufacturer (who are working on the moon vehicles for the Artemis program) have announced an airless tire will be available on at least one vehicle for sale as early as 2024. So before long, the next space-inspired component on your car could be the humble tire!