Whispers of the cosmos echo here at Planetary Transportation Systems. Planetary Transportation Systems, once known as Part-Time Scientists, started as a dream. A dream to reach for the moon. This Berlin-based aerospace company, founded in 2009 by Robert Böhme, dared to compete in the Google Lunar X Prize. Their ambition? To land the ALINA, their robotic lunar lander, on the moon. They were the first German team to officially enter the competition.
Planetary Transportation Systems had a bold vision. They aimed to not only land ALINA but also deploy two Audi Lunar Quattro rovers. Imagine these rovers, designed to pivot 360 degrees and tilt their solar panels towards the sun, exploring the lunar surface. These rovers were meant to capture 3D images with their stereo cameras and communicate with ALINA using 4G LTE technology. ALINA would then relay the data back to Earth via the ESTRACK network.
One of the key objectives for Planetary Transportation Systems was to revisit the Apollo 17 landing site. They planned to approach within a few kilometers, capturing footage of the Lunar Roving Vehicle left behind in 1972. This was a commitment to preserving space exploration history, recognizing these sites as world heritage. Planetary Transportation Systems collaborated with For All Moonkind Inc. to ensure the protection of these historical landmarks.
Planetary Transportation Systems also saw the moon as a potential platform for scientific research. They planned to transport payloads for a fee, opening opportunities for various experiments. One notable project was NASA Ames’ Lunar Plant Growth Experiment, designed to study plant growth in lunar conditions. Imagine sunflowers, turnips, and basil sprouting in a sealed biosphere on the moon. This research was crucial for understanding how life could be sustained in space.
While the Google Lunar X Prize dream didn’t fully materialize for Planetary Transportation Systems due to a lack of launch contract in 2017, their innovative spirit persisted. In 2019, they faced bankruptcy, putting the ALINA project on hold. However, a new chapter began in 2021. Planetary Transportation Systems partnered with ArianeGroup. They embarked on building ESA’s ASTRIS kick-stage, proving that their ambition to contribute to space exploration remained as strong as ever. The story of Planetary Transportation Systems showcases a blend of audacious dreams and technological innovation. Their journey reminds us that reaching for the stars, even with setbacks, is a pursuit worth undertaking.