Magnetic Robots to Shuttle Tons of Materials
NASA's Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program has selected six projects for further development and funding, aimed at enabling sustained human presence on the lunar surface. These projects have successfully completed Phase I of the NIAC program, demonstrating their promise, and are now advancing to Phase II, IFL Science reported on May 7.
Among these projects is FLOAT, led by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), which proposes a rail system powered by magnetic robots to transport cargo. Envisioned to be operational within the next decade, FLOAT promises to provide a reliable, autonomous, and efficient solution for hauling tons of lunar regolith (the dusty soil covering the Moon's surface). This soil could later be processed to extract various materials for use by astronauts or lunar bases.
NASA roboticist Ethan Schaler, who leads the project, estimates that the system could transport up to 100 tons of cargo per day. "FLOAT will operate autonomously in the dusty, abrasive lunar environment, require minimal on-site set-up, and its rail network can be expanded or reconfigured over time as the needs of a growing lunar base evolve," he said.
No-Power Maglevs Glide on Tracks
The system's power-free maglev robots will traverse a three-layer rail, propelling cargo trays at speeds of about one mile per hour (1.6 kilometers per hour). They will have no moving parts and will float just above the rails using a "magnetic levitation" technology, minimizing wear from lunar dust, unlike traditional lunar rovers that typically rely on wheels or legs.
"These diverse and visionary projects represent an outstanding set of Phase II studies. We are never short of being amazed and inspired," said John Nelson, NIAC program executive. "The new studies will surely give NASA much to think about as we look to the future."
Summary
NASA's FLOAT project proposes a revolutionary rail system powered by magnetic robots to transport cargo on the Moon. The system aims to provide a reliable and efficient means of hauling lunar regolith, which could be processed to extract valuable materials for future lunar missions and bases. FLOAT's power-free maglev robots will navigate a three-layer rail, floating just above the surface to minimize wear from lunar dust. The project is among several selected for further development under NASA's NIAC program, with the goal of enabling sustained human presence on the Moon.