Lunar Mobility: Solar-Powered Elevated Guideways

Abstract

Harold K Harry McGinnis*

The proposed system is a unique, modular, solar-powered transit network designed to revolutionize lunar mobility and freight movement, as well as logistical operations on the Moon. It introduces elevated guideways that carry autonomous passenger pods and freight cars, specifically engineered for the harsh lunar environment and powered entirely by solar energy. This system, which can be developed after a significant settlement has been established, represents a significant leap in lunar transportation technology. Proposing the use of elevated guideways for a lunar PRT system is not just a fascinating concept, but a truly innovative and forward-thinking one. These elevated guideways, explicitly designed for lunar PRT systems, offer a futuristic yet entirely workable solution to the challenges of lunar transportation. With lunar- specific engineering and the use of lunar materials, they could form the backbone of human mobility and freight mobility to support lunar settlements, ushering in a new era of lunar exploration and development. When discussing automated guideway transit systems, there is no reason a guideway cannot also be used for freight transportation from the resource extraction areas to the lunar settlement. This research aims to support future lunar exploration, base development, and resource extraction by enabling safe and autonomous transport across the lunar surface. The paper discusses the design, energy systems, structural components, implementation roadmap, and challenges associated with deploying such a system on the Moon. A solar-powered PRT system using elevated guideways offers a transformative solution to lunar mobility challenges. Its modularity, autonomy, and sustainability are in perfect harmony with the goals of upcoming lunar missions and the vision of establishing a long-term human settlement on the Moon.

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