NASA is currently working on a revolutionary new project that involves robots hovering on the Moon’s rails using paramagnetic lifting technology. The goal of this ambitious endeavor is to transport 100 tons of material every day, with the ultimate aim of establishing a permanent human presence on the lunar surface. The Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program from NASA has selected six projects that aim to make this vision a reality, providing funding and further development for these projects.
One of these exciting initiatives is FLOAT, led by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). This project aims to create a rail system with magnetic robots for transporting goods on the Moon. With an estimated completion date within the next decade, FLOAT promises to be a reliable, automated, and efficient transportation solution that will revolutionize lunar exploration and development.
Ethan Schaler, a NASA robotics engineer who is leading the FLOAT project, is confident in its potential. He estimates that the system can transport 100 tons of cargo per day, thanks to its innovative magnetic robots that operate autonomously on a three-layer track. These robots use diamagnetic lift technology to hover above the rails, significantly reducing abrasion from lunar dust compared to traditional lunar robots with wheels or legs.
John Nelson, director of the NIAC program at NASA, expressed his excitement about the diverse range of projects under phase II studies. These projects represent an exciting glimpse into what the future of lunar exploration and development might hold. With so many innovative ideas under consideration, NASA has plenty of options for future endeavors on the Moon and beyond.
Overall, this new project from NASA represents an exciting step forward in our journey towards establishing a permanent human presence on other celestial bodies such as Mars or even beyond our solar system.
