In a move that seems straight out of science fiction, NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts program is allocating additional funds to six futuristic ideas, including a concept dubbed the “moon train.”
Led by Dr. Ethan Schaler, a robotics engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the ambitious project aims to revolutionize lunar transportation with levitating magnetic robots. These robots, part of the Flexible Levitation on a Track (FLOAT) system, are designed to ferry up to 100 tonnes of supplies across the moon’s surface daily.
“The development of a durable, long-life robotic transport system is essential for the sustainability of future lunar bases,” Dr. Schaler emphasized in a recent NASA blog post.
Unlike traditional railways, this lunar transportation system will not rely on fixed tracks. Instead, the plan is to deploy flexible track segments directly onto the lunar surface. These segments can be easily relocated, shortening construction time and adapting to changing base configurations.
The power for these floating carts will be generated by the rails themselves, similar to a floating Scalextric track. Dr. Schaler envisions each robot traveling at a speed of about 1 mph (1.61 km/h), capable of carrying various cargo sizes and forms.
Moreover, the design accounts for the harsh lunar environment. Unlike wheeled or legged robots, the floating carts are expected to endure without wearing out the rails.
While the concept of lunar bases might seem far-fetched, NASA’s Artemis mission aims to explore the moon’s South Pole, believed to harbor ice in its craters. Despite delays in the crewed lunar landing timeline, NASA remains committed to establishing a human presence on the lunar surface.
Jim Free, NASA’s assistant administrator for exploration systems development, hinted at the possibility of building multiple base camps as part of the Artemis landings. This aligns with the broader ambition shared by space agencies worldwide, including China and Russia, to establish long-term lunar settlements.
As NASA continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, the prospect of a bustling railway system traversing the lunar landscape could soon become a reality, marking a significant leap in humanity’s journey beyond Earth.
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