Caterpillar combined with NASA to support the "Mars Habitat Design" century challenge
In October 7th, Caterpillar announced the Bechtel engineering company (Bechtel), Brick & Mortar Ventures Vc firm and Bradley University (Bradley University) to support the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the new century challenge - Mars habitat 3D print design challenge.
This challenge is aimed at inspiring people to bring forth new ideas, design and print a habitat for deep space exploration, including NASA's Mars Exploration Tour, and this design can also be applied to the earth. Over the past 90 years, Caterpillar has been building the world's infrastructure, and we plan to continue developing the world's infrastructure in the next 90 years, whether in big cities, developing villages, or even on our planet.
The innovation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics has led the development of the past 100 years, and will also give impetus to the development of the next 100 years. Through this challenge, we look forward to seeing that the 3D printing technology can provide a new solution for the world and even the universe. As long as there is an idea and a willingness to carry out the idea, whether it is a university, a business or a team of ordinary citizens, you can take part in the challenge. The challenge is divided into three stages. The first phase is mainly the design, which has ended in September 2015. The second stage competition has just begun, focusing on the use of existing materials and recyclable materials to make structural components. NASA will offer a bonus of up to $1 million 100 thousand for the second stage of the challenge. The third stage will focus on real construction.
In the fall of 2017, the team will test their structural components at Caterpillar Edwards Demonstration Center, and compete for the second stage of the bonus competition. Carter Biller Edwards will take part in the competition. The highlight of the whole challenge will be the third stage On-Site Habitat Competition, which will be held in the Carter Biller Edwards demonstration center in the autumn of 2018. The team will then come together again to demonstrate their ability to build their physical habitats in the review and public.
With the development of science and technology, our equipment is also progressing. The future of the construction industry will be quite different from that of today. Caterpillar believes that by developing our vision and participating in such innovative opportunities like "century challenge", we will make it easier for us to develop disruptive technology, solve existing problems of customers, and make long-term success with our customers.
