NASA has developed a game-changing superelastic tyre that could be used as an alternative to the pneumatic tyre. Created by the innovators at NASA’s Glenn Research Centre, the tyre was developed specifically for future Mars missions, but it could also easily be used on Earth.

The Superelastic Tyre is the latest evolution of the Spring Tyre first invented in a collaboration between NASA and tyre company Goodyear. The superelastic tyre utilises shape memory alloys, mainly nickel titanium and its derivatives and is capable of undergoing high strain as load bearing components. The material is strong and robust, withstanding excessive deformation and capable of high traction on various terrain types. It is also lightweight as no inner frame is needed. The innovative tyre offers traction equal or superior to conventional pneumatic tyres and eliminates the chances of puncture failures. Other than taking taking part in NASA’s missions, NASA sees the superelastic tyre being used on all-terrain vehicles, as well as in the military, construction, aircraft and other fields.