Podcast Summary
The Deep End with Eric Triplett
Episode: S2-E23 – Digging on Job Sites to the Moon: Vermeer’s Next Frontier
Date: March 9, 2026
Location: ConExpo, Las Vegas – recorded live on the show floor at the Vermeer booth
Guests: Lead engineer from Vermeer (name not specified)
Theme: Exploring the boundary-pushing innovation of Vermeer as it partners to develop excavation technology for use not only on Earth, but also on the Moon.
Overview
This episode takes listeners into the buzz and excitement of the world’s largest construction trade show, ConExpo, held in Las Vegas. Host Eric Triplett (“The Pond Digger”), a veteran contractor and aquatic system builder, interviews a lead engineer from Vermeer, a company renowned for its trenching and earth-moving equipment. The conversation spotlights Vermeer’s partnership with Interlune, a space resource company, on developing technology to excavate lunar soil (regolith) and potentially extract valuable resources like helium-3.
Eric and his guest delve deep into the unique challenges and innovative thinking required to engineer equipment for work on the Moon—where gravity, soil composition, and transportation to space create a brand new set of engineering puzzles. The episode captures the energy of on-site, live-event podcasting, complete with crowd noise and impromptu moments.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. ConExpo and Industry Innovation
- [01:03-01:44] Eric shares the scale and significance of ConExpo, with over 2,000 vendors and more than 100,000 attendees.
- Vermeer is presented as a legacy equipment manufacturer at the center of the innovation conversation.
2. Vermeer’s Next Frontier: Excavation Technology for the Moon
- [02:00-04:52]
- Vermeer, established experts in trenching and earthworks, are collaborating with Interlune, a company developing systems to extract helium-3 from the lunar surface.
- “Excavating on the moon, bro. That’s what I said.” – Eric, [02:32]
- The same problem-solving skills that advance contracting on Earth are now being applied beyond our planet.
3. Partnership and Engineering Challenges
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[04:52-08:41]
- Vermeer’s lead engineer explains the collaboration:
- Interlune’s plan is to excavate lunar regolith robotically to extract and bring back helium-3 to Earth.
- Vermeer’s expertise is in developing and adapting trenching technology for low-gravity, high-radiation lunar environments.
- The machine on display is built on the existing Vermeer 1250 i2 platform but modified for lunar use.
- Vermeer’s lead engineer explains the collaboration:
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Key Design Challenges:
- Gravity: On the Moon, the machine weighs only 1/6th what it does on Earth (30,000 lbs vs. 5,000 lbs).
- Modifying drills and augers to maintain downforce and traction with less gravity:
“As they’re cutting, they’re actually kind of helping us anchor and hold the machine down...” – Vermeer Engineer, [07:39]
- Soil: Lunar regolith is sharp, angular, and unweathered—harder to dig through compared to Earth.
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Testing: They use analogs in Iowa and leverage Apollo astronaut and geologist Jack Harrison Schmidt’s expertise to test and refine designs.
4. Human Connections & Inspiration
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[05:54-06:09]
- The company’s leadership includes Jason Andrega, whose experience at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab informs the Vermeer culture of innovation.
“So basically, rocket scientist.” – Eric, [06:08]
- The company’s leadership includes Jason Andrega, whose experience at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab informs the Vermeer culture of innovation.
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[11:08-11:48]
- Addressing moon landing conspiracy: Vermeer’s engineer has worked with Apollo 17 astronaut Schmidt, confirming the realities of lunar construction.
5. The R&D Process
- [12:38-14:46]
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Engineering team size is small (3–5 engineers), promoting a flexible, idea-driven approach:
“We should try as many ideas as we possibly can.” – Vermeer Engineer, [13:14]
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Components are rigorously tested to failure before integration, following processes that apply both to commercial drills and lunar tech.
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6. Broader Industry and Future Visions
- [15:06-15:33]
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Timeline for lunar deployment is uncertain and depends on broader developments in the space industry.
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“Have you guys talked to Elon yet about going to Mars?” – Eric, joking about future collaboration, [15:06]
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The excitement of pushing limits has energized Vermeer’s team and leadership.
“They think it’s cool to work for a company that’s willing to push the limits and try stuff like this.” – Vermeer Engineer, [15:44]
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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On the boldness of the project:
“The same engineering principles Vermeer has been refining for decades on Earth are now being explored for something a little bit more ambitious. Excavating on the moon, bro.” – Eric Triplett, [02:32]
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On the culture of innovation:
“Vermeer has a long history of pushing limits and innovation, looking at tough problems… just working through, trying stuff to figure out what works.” – Vermeer Engineer, [06:14]
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On adapting to lunar conditions:
“The idea by angling these augers forward is, as they’re cutting, they’re actually kind of helping us anchor and hold the machine down to give us traction out of the tracks.” – Vermeer Engineer, [07:39]
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On lunar soil challenges:
“The material is very... it’s unweathered. So it’s very angular in shape... It’s kind of like trying to dig into wood chips or something where the shovel just really won’t penetrate into it.” – Vermeer Engineer, [11:30–11:44]
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On the impact within Vermeer:
“One of the really big benefits that this project has had for Vermeer is just in the excitement within our teams. The folks working on the floor every day building all this equipment, they think it’s cool to work for a company that’s willing to… try stuff like this.” – Vermeer Engineer, [15:37–15:44]
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On continual improvement:
“At the core of all of it is engineering, innovation and constant never ending improvement. The relentless pursuit of better solutions.” – Eric Triplett, [18:45]
Important Timestamps
- 01:03-01:44 – Eric’s introduction to ConExpo and the scale of innovation.
- 04:52-05:31 – Introduction to Interlune partnership and purpose.
- 06:14 – Vermeer’s culture of innovation.
- 07:21-07:49 – Explanation of gravity challenges and machine anchoring on the Moon.
- 08:10-08:41 – Apollo astronaut Jack Harrison Schmidt’s advisory role.
- 11:08-11:44 – Digging on the Moon: material and tool challenges.
- 13:14 – R&D philosophy: trying as many ideas as possible.
- 15:37-15:44 – Effect on company morale and culture.
- 18:45 – Concluding thoughts on relentless improvement in engineering and business.
Episode Takeaways
- The future of contracting and construction involves thinking beyond traditional boundaries—sometimes all the way to the Moon.
- Vermeer’s collaboration with Interlune shows how legacy companies can play a crucial role in space industry innovation.
- The same foundational engineering principles that solve challenges in backyard projects can be applied to interplanetary problem-solving with the right culture and mindset.
- For listeners in trades and contracting, the episode underscores the importance of continuous improvement, relentless curiosity, and never underestimating the value of practical, hands-on experience.
Stay tuned for more episodes from The Deep End and future innovation spotlights—where trades meet transformation and contractors are challenged to think even “beyond the ceiling.”