MIT engineers develop a flying moon rover that works by using an electric field
Photo: NASA / Unsplash
Specialists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have proposed to study the moon using a plate levitating above its surface. This is reported by Science Alert.
Scientists have developed a lunar rover in the form of a disc that does not have wheels. The machine sent to the moon will rise above the surface due to the force of electrical repulsion, which arises from the direct action of the sun on the natural satellite of the earth. In the absence of an atmosphere, the lunar soil acquires a positive charge.
MIT engineers explained that the lunar rover has a skin made of mylar – a film based on synthetic polyester fiber. Mylar retains a positive charge when exposed to sunlight. In this case, nozzles are located at the bottom of the aircraft, which release negatively and positively charged ions. Thanks to this, a balance is created – the lunar rover will levitate.
Scientists noted that the new lunar rover does not have wheels, that is, the probability of its breakdown is extremely small. Experts at MIT have successfully tested their method on a prototype weighing about 60 grams, forcing the device to levitate above the surface.
Earlier, experts from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) listed the worst discoveries of the year. The list of disappointments included the drug Biogen for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, the smart algorithm for purchasing real estate Zillow, beauty filters in social networks.
