In NASA’s new project, robots will hover along the lunar rail system thanks to maglev technology, transporting 100 tons of materials each day.
The Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program of NASA has selected 6 projects aimed at establishing a long-term human presence on the lunar surface for funding and further development. These projects have completed Phase I of the NIAC program, demonstrating their potential, and are now entering Phase II, as reported by IFL Science on May 7.
Magnetic robots will move along the rail system on the Moon. (Photo: Ethan Schaler/NASA).
Among these projects is FLOAT, led by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), which aims to build a rail system utilizing magnetic robots for cargo transport. FLOAT could become operational in the next decade, expected to provide a reliable, automated, and efficient transport solution. The system will help move tons of regolith (the layer of soil on the Moon’s surface). In the future, this soil could be mined to extract various materials for astronauts or lunar bases.
Ethan Schaler, a NASA robotics engineer, is directing the project and estimates that the system could transport 100 tons of cargo per day. “FLOAT will operate autonomously in the Moon’s dusty, harsh environment. The setup process on-site will be very straightforward, and the rail network can be rolled out or modified over time to meet the increasing demands of lunar base development missions,” he stated.
The rail system can transport 100 tons of goods daily. (Photo: Ethan Schaler/NASA).
The magnetic robots will operate on a three-layer rail system to push cargo trays at a speed of about 1.6 km/h. They have no moving parts and will hover above the rail thanks to maglev technology, minimizing wear and tear from lunar dust, unlike traditional lunar robots that typically have wheels or legs.
“These diverse and seemingly science-fiction projects represent a group of remarkable studies in Phase II. We are continually amazed and inspired. This new group of studies certainly gives NASA a lot to think about regarding what may happen in the future,” shared John Nelson, the NIAC program director.
