Ethan Schaler
Research Scientist at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
With ambitions high for establishing a sustainable base on the moon by the 2030s, NASA is envisioning a revolutionary transportation means — a lunar railway dubbed as the FLOAT system, an acronym for Flexible Levitation on a Track. This system aims to alleviate payload transport challenges on the lunar surface.
The proposed lunar railway will efficiently transport vital materials such as regolith for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), aiding in the creation of construction materials and essential consumables like water and oxygen. It also facilitates the movement of payloads between different sections of the lunar base and landing areas or other distant outposts.
FLOAT leverages an innovative design consisting of magnetically levitating robots that glide over a three-layer flexible film track. This design includes a diamagnetic graphite layer, an electromagnetically active flex-circuit layer to propel the robots, and an optional solar panel layer to generate electricity for the base during sunlight exposure.
The system’s levitation feature ensures minimal abrasion from lunar dust, a notable advantage over traditional wheeled or tracked lunar vehicles. FLOAT tracks can be easily unrolled onto the moon’s surface, bypassing the need for extensive construction projects. The robots are designed to carry substantial payloads and navigate effectively at practical speeds, with a scalable system that has the potential to transport vast quantities of material over significant distances daily.
During Phase 2, the project will focus on mitigating risks associated with production, deployment, controlling tactics, and the durability of the FLOAT technology. This involves testing sub-scale prototypes in lunar-analogous environments and confronting potential hurdles such as temperature extremities, radiation, and regolith contamination. These efforts also include refining simulations and preparing advanced manufacturing processes for critical components.
The project was selected for Phase I in 2024 and looks forward to further advancing technology demonstrations that could potentially lead to actual scenarios on lunar soil in collaboration with other NASA initiatives.
FAQs about the FLOAT Lunar Railway System
- What is the FLOAT system?
FLOAT, or Flexible Levitation on a Track, is a proposed lunar railway system using magnetically levitating robots to transport payloads efficiently across the Moon’s surface. - What are the benefits of using FLOAT instead of conventional lunar rovers?
The FLOAT system offers reduced wear and tear due to abrasive lunar dust. Its levitating mechanism means fewer moving parts and a more reliable transport method. Additionally, the simple deployment of tracks offers a versatile approach to infrastructure establishment on the Moon. - Can the FLOAT system withstand the harsh lunar environment?
Yes, FLOAT is being designed to operate autonomously in the harsh lunar environment with minimal need for site preparation. Phase 2 of the project will specifically to address environmental impacts on system performance. - How fast can the FLOAT robots move, and how much can they transport?
FLOAT robots are expected to transport payloads at speeds greater than 0.5 meters per second, capable of moving substantial quantities on the magnitude of hundreds of thousands of kilograms daily. - What stage is the FLOAT project currently in?
As of the latest updates, FLOAT was selected for Phase I in 2024 and is in the process of continued risk assessment, design refinement, and prototype testing.
Conclusion
The FLOAT project represents a significant leap forward in lunar transportation technology. Its innovative levitating robots could fundamentally change how we operate on the Moon, laying the groundwork for more sustainable and long-term lunar exploration. The commitment to addressing the unique challenges of the lunar environment head-on shows the project’s potential feasibility and aligns with NASA’s Moon to Mars vision. As FLOAT enters its next phase of development, it promises to be a critical component in the evolution of lunar colonization and exploration.