History of Wheels for Space

Tires in space are a separate topic that has been given a lot of attention for a long time, and recently, with the increasing interest in flights to the moon, this interest has become even greater.
The history of tire development is fascinating and interesting, with many significant events and dates, and 1981 is recorded in the history of the tire industry as one of the most notable events. This year, the space shuttle "Columbia" was launched, equipped with BFGoodrich brand tires. Since the shuttle's launch is carried out using a rocket, tires are only needed for landing. But the load on the tires is colossal. During passage through the atmospheric layers, the surface of the shuttle heats up to 2500°C.

Interestingly, lunar and Mars rovers also need wheels, and they are not immune to the problem of damage and wear. Here is an excellent example of what the wheels of the Curiosity Mars rover look like, which has been traveling on the surface of Mars for several years.

Trying to solve the problem of "wheels for space", the Michelin company
presents the latest wheel design for lunar rovers with the following characteristics:
- Operating temperature range above 100°C and below -240°C.
- Resistant to the effects of solar and galactic radiation.
- Provide high autonomy due to record low rolling resistance.
- Provide maximum grip on soft soil while maintaining strength on very aggressive soil.