In the race for lunar colonization, both the United States and China are vying to establish bases on the moon, with NASA aiming for a small lunar city by the century’s end. However, setting up a sustainable habitat on the moon poses significant challenges. The lunar environment is fraught with dangers, including asteroid impacts, pervasive cosmic radiation, and extreme temperature fluctuations. A functional base must ensure the safety of its inhabitants while being self-sufficient, which necessitates the use of autonomous robots, nuclear energy, and innovative methods to utilize lunar resources. The primary hurdle, however, may lie in garnering the necessary political support to realize such an ambitious vision.
Meanwhile, the rise of drone technology is giving birth to new career opportunities, such as the role of a drone traffic controller. Trevor Wischnewsky, a remote pilot in command at FlyTrex, exemplifies this emerging profession. His responsibilities mirror those of traditional air traffic controllers, but instead, he manages fleets of drones that deliver goods directly to consumers. As drone deliveries become increasingly commonplace, the demand for skilled personnel to oversee these operations will grow. This shift in logistics underscores the evolving landscape of technology and the innovative roles it creates, paving the way for a future where both lunar cities and drone traffic management are integral parts of our daily lives.
Source: The Download: moon city problems and drone traffic controllers via MIT Technology Review