Aerospace engineers at MIT reveal a UFO-like hovering rover that actually levitates by harnessing the Moon’s natural charge. Since it lacks an atmosphere, the Moon can build up an electric field through direct exposure to the Sun as well as the surrounding plasma. This charge is strong enough on the lunar surface to levitate more than 1-meter above ground.
The compact saucer would utilize tiny ion beams to both charge up the vehicle and boost the surface’s natural charge. This in turn would generate a relatively large repulsive force between the vehicle and the ground that requires very little power. A small, 2-pound vehicle should have no issues levitating with this level of ion boost.
- Features a detailed replica of the Eagle lunar lander with a depiction of the lunar surface, with a crater, footprints and a U.S. flag
- This modular model features a descent stage with gold-colored landing pads and panels, opening camera, laser hatches, and a movable ladder
- The ascent stage has a detailed interior with room for 2 astronauts. The model is finished with an Apollo 11 Lunar Lander nameplate
We think of using this like the Hayabusa missions that were launched by the Japanese space agency. That spacecraft operated around a small asteroid and deployed small rovers to its surface. Similarly, we think a future mission could send out small hovering rovers to explore the surface of the moon and other asteroids,” said Oliver Jia-Richards, lead author and a graduate student in MIT’s Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics.
