China’s Shanghai Institute of Satellite Engineering (SAST) has proposed a magnetic catapult system on the Moon to transport resources, such as helium-3, back to Earth.

This concept, which has been explored by scientists for decades, could become part of China’s long-term lunar development plans within the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), a joint project with Russia.

The system would use magnetic levitation to launch payloads from the Moon, taking advantage of its low gravity and vacuum environment.

The technology could potentially conduct two launches daily at a fraction of the cost of current methods, Universe Today has reported.

While the project faces significant technical and logistical challenges, including the extraction of helium-3 and the stability of the system on the lunar surface, the plan is seen as a promising and cost-effective approach to space resource transportation.

The project is expected to progress by 2045, following the development of China’s super-heavy launch vehicles.

Written by B.C. Begley