NASA Tech to be used to make rail journeys safer in Derbyshire
It will mean trains can detect detect issues as they travel
Technology used by NASA to map the surface of the moon is soon to be in use on trains in Derbyshire.
Train operator Northern will be using the light detection and radar (LIDAR) scanning technology to detect things like fallen trees and ‘bumps on the line’, and automatically send reports.
Cameras will also be used to scan the roof of tunnels along the railway for loose bricks, so they can be flagged before they become dangerous.
It means problems will be identified automatically as the trains travel.
Marc Silverwood, Onboard Systems Manager at Northern, says: “Nasa used it as part of the space programme many, many years ago and we’ve just encompassed that into modern railway operations”
“That helped NASA do a lot of the moon landings and a variety of different things in space which we’re now bringing that into UK rail which is a fantastic step forward.”
The technology is amongst other software also being introduced to the trains with the hope of making journeys safer and more efficient.
Sensors will also be used to identify ways to save energy, for example station lighting being left on in the day, as trains pass by.
British Transport Police will also be given the ability to monitor real time footage on-board the trains.
The LIDAR scanning technology will be installed across 345 Northern trains, with the roll-out due to begin later this month.