NASA is currently preparing for a mission to the moon and a plan to establish a permanent lunar base there. As part of this plan, the agency is considering an innovative transportation system, which would involve the use of a train. This lunar railway would be responsible for carrying cargo across the moon’s surface, providing the necessary support for future lunar outposts.
Trains on the moon… coming soon
“This system will be crucial for efficiently moving supplies around the moon”, said Ethan Schaler, a robotics expert at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Nicknamed “FLOAT” (Flexible Levitation on a Track), the train will use special magnetic robots to glide over a special track.
Unlike traditional trains, FLOAT won’t have an engine. Instead, these magnetic robots will levitate, thanks to clever design. Forget wheels or tracks – a layer of graphite will keep them afloat while a special layer propels them along the lightweight track.
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Designed for durability in the harsh lunar environment, FLOAT promises to be a game-changer for future moon missions. This innovative system could be operational by the 2030s, paving the way for a sustainable human presence on the moon.
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