I'm no fan of the concept, but there would be at least one legitimate reason to consider a levitated rail train, and that is the elimination of the problem of protecting rotating bearings from the highly abrasive lunar regolith. The same system that would produce levitation could also produce motion, so there would be no need for moving parts as such. I have to wonder at what their idea is that would require such elaborate surface infrastructure.
"... the elimination of the problem of protecting rotating bearings from the highly abrasive lunar regolith."
A legitimate point. But with no atmosphere to hold and carry dust to rotating parts, that should be a small concern, and easily overcome by proper seals.
Not by the Apollo astronauts, for whom it was a problem. They were trying to seal stationary surfaces. I understand some progress has been made, but sealing rotating surfaces is not an easy job.
I'm no fan of the concept, but there would be at least one legitimate reason to consider a levitated rail train, and that is the elimination of the problem of protecting rotating bearings from the highly abrasive lunar regolith. The same system that would produce levitation could also produce motion, so there would be no need for moving parts as such. I have to wonder at what their idea is that would require such elaborate surface infrastructure.
"... the elimination of the problem of protecting rotating bearings from the highly abrasive lunar regolith."
A legitimate point. But with no atmosphere to hold and carry dust to rotating parts, that should be a small concern, and easily overcome by proper seals.
Not by the Apollo astronauts, for whom it was a problem. They were trying to seal stationary surfaces. I understand some progress has been made, but sealing rotating surfaces is not an easy job.