2024-05-07 08:17:48
“Floating rail” project to transport objects intended to build a human base on the Moon by “NASA”
Floating rail – If humans aim to establish a colony on a planet other than Earth. We can’t send everything from Earth. It is therefore necessary to find a way to use the planet’s resources in the most efficient way possible. Including transportation where vehicles like trucks will deliver whatever is used to build the base to where it is needed.
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Some people might imagine a car with circular wheels. But a new project from the US space agency (NASA) won’t necessarily involve building roads for cars to travel on, but rather making them effectively float. The project is called “FLOAT”, which is short for “Flexible Levitation On A Track”.
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“These various concepts border on science fiction. This is an excellent Phase 2 study,” said John Nelson, program director of NIAC, NASA’s program for developing advanced innovative ideas (NIAC is the abbreviation for Innovative Advanced Concepts, with N for NASA).
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“NIAC never ceases to surprise. and inspire These studies give NASA a lot of food for thought regarding future possibilities,” Nelson added.
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The FLOAT project is not a railway system like on Earth, but rather a flexible “film”. It is made of graphite and attached to a magnetic plate with a solar panel. This disk can unfold in one track anywhere on the lunar surface. To be able to move easily and avoid permanent construction on the surface.
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Once in place, FLOAT is ready to move vehicles on rails. Scientists estimate that electromagnetic repulsion can move large objects weighing up to 100,000 kilograms several kilometers per day. At a speed of approximately 2 km/h.
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It also does not require an external power supply. Once completed, FLOAT can be rolled up and moved to a new location as needed. This will also reduce risks to astronauts during construction, as FLOAT will be fully automated.
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Such a design would reduce environmental impact. Because they don’t have wheels. There is therefore no friction or wear of the material with lunar dust. which can harm machines and humans. Currently, FLOAT is still in the design and development phase. which studies the system’s efficiency and lifespan for maximum value. NASA plans to start using it by 2030.
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FLOAT is just one of six innovative projects NASA is funding to support NASA’s return to the Moon mission, including the Fluid Telescope (FLUTE), FLOAT Plasma Rocket and FLOAT Pulsed Plasma Rocket, the large long wavelength observatory (GO-Low)
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Radioisotope thermal power generator cell (Radioisotope Thermoradiative Cell Power Generator) and science vehicles (ScienceCraft) for exploring the outer planets
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“The goal is not just scientific exploration,” said Michael D. Griffin, a former NASA administrator. “It’s also regarding expanding the boundaries of human habitation. From Earth to the solar system as we move forward. A single planet will not be able to survive. If humans want to survive hundreds of thousands of years or millions of years, we will eventually have to live on other planets.
Researched and compiled by Witit Borompichaichartkul
Origin
https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/stmd/niac/niac-studies/flexible-levitation-on-a-track-float/
https://www.iflscience.com/the-first-railway-on-the-moon-might-happen-next-decade-74073
https://www.pasadenanow.com/main/nasa-advances-jpls-lunar-railway-concept-to-new-phase
https://www.zmescience.com/future/nasa-wants-to-build-futuristic-levitating-rail-on-the-moon-and-much-more/
moon
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