Hyperloop capsule test successfully launched in northern Netherlands

In a significant advancement for the Hyperloop transit system, a test vehicle successfully levitated and traveled through a tube at a facility in the northern Netherlands. This achievement was announced by Hardt, the company developing the technology, which aims to create a new form of mass transit using capsules that move on magnetic fields within depressurized tubes. The test involved a vacuum pump to reduce air pressure, allowing the capsule to reach a top speed of approximately 30 kph (18 mph) over a distance of 100 meters (more than 300 feet). Marinus van der Meijs, the technology and engineering director at Hardt, highlighted the successful integration of levitation, propulsion, and guidance systems during the test. This milestone is part of a broader vision to develop a high-speed transit system that could potentially transport passengers at speeds of up to 700 kph (435 mph). The concept, initially proposed by Elon Musk over a decade ago, has garnered interest worldwide, with various teams working to make it a reality. Despite the progress, experts express skepticism regarding the feasibility of building the necessary infrastructure, citing high costs and logistical challenges. Robert Noland, a distinguished professor at Rutgers University, referred to the Hyperloop as a “shiny object” that policymakers are chasing without a clear path to implementation. Hardt aims to have passenger operations ready by 2030, emphasizing the need for collaboration between technology, policy, and public-private partnerships to realize the Hyperloop vision. However, past initiatives, such as the proposed Hyperloop line between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have faced setbacks, raising questions about the project's long-term viability.