About

"Lunar Cargo P.C." develops two concepts for delivering oversized cargo (OPLONAS) and regular parcels (MACEDONAS) to the Lunar surface. It also plans to deliver high strength tethers as commodity, byproduct of the deliveries of large cargo. O.P.L.O.N.A.S. (Oversized Payload Lander On Non Atmospheric Somata) has also capability to offer mobility function after landing. M.A.C.E.D.O.N.A.S. (Momentum Absorption Catcher for Express Deliveries On Non Atmospheric Somata), can be packed in a portable fashion, so that it can be used for capturing emergency supplies at remote locations. Both systems have a major advantage as regards surface ejecta generation in comparison to the classical rocket propelled landers. MACEDONAS does not generate any ejecta at all, while OPLONAS's ejecta upon landing are limited both in terms of kinetic energy they carry, as well as be constrained in a limited swath at the direction of landing, instead of the omni-directional dispersion of ejecta of a classical lander. Both systems are scalable and evolvable. The point designs we use for reference are: OPLONAS at 60 m flexible outer diameter with 6 m diameter cylindrical core (9 m length), while MACEDONAS at 10 km length for capturing 1 kg parcels, effecting 15 g deceleration. Both systems exploit mechanical means to exert deceleration forces and so eliminate the need for fuel induced deceleration.

Solution & Product

Solution 1: O.P.L.O.N.A.S. a spacecraft for deliveries of oversized payloads (cargo) to the lunar surface. It offers also mobility function as well as capability to be up-cycled into a habitat as regards its cylindrical hub. Its high strength tethers that constitute the flexible outer part of the spacecraft can be up-cycled for constructing various constructs and notably a MACEDONAS. Solution 2: M.A.C.E.D.O.N.A.S. is a lunar surface based installation, for smoothly capturing, decelerating and landing small parcels to the Lunar surface. The parcels may originate either from an orbiting spacecraft or from a remote location at the lunar surface. A portable version is envisaged for being used in emergency situations at remote locations. Both systems have a major advantage as regards surface ejecta. MACEDONAS does not generate any ejecta at all, while OPLONAS's ejecta upon landing are limited both in terms of kinetic energy they carry, as well as be constrained in a limited swath at the direction of landing, instead of the omni-directional dispersion of ejecta of a classical lander. Both systems are scalable and evolvable. The point designs we use for reference are: OPLONAS at 60 m flexible outer diameter with 6 m diameter cylindrical core (9 m length), while MACEDONAS at 10 km length for capturing 1 kg parcels, effecting 15 g deceleration. M.A.C.E.D.O.N.A.S. https://vimeo.com/829609499 O.P.L.O.N.A.S. https://vimeo.com/829610992

Innovation & Scalability

Both concepts use mechanical means to achieve landing instead of consuming fuel. In the case of OPLONAS it is roll friction, while for MACEDONAS is mass inertia, tension and spring load that generate counter forces Both systems possess economies of scale. OPLONAS because the larger the diameter the larger objects it can negotiate, while MACEDONAS because for the same length of installation and same number of harnessing tethers large in mass objects can be captured and decelerated for the same effort of initial installation and re-configuration needed after each capturing cycle. OPLONAS will also have 3 additional uses besides the landing function. 1 It can be used as mobility vehicle, for rolling to the direction of a delivery point. 2, once it reaches destination the cylindrical payload carrying hub will be freed of the payload and the emptied space may be used as habitat. 3. the flexible parts can be up-cycled for constructing various constructs including a MACEDONAS. They are also EVOLVABLE. OPLONAS may evolve into a multi wheel vehicle, 2 wheel side by side (like a wheelchair), or 2 wheels along each other (like a bicycle). MACEDONAS may evolve into an electromagnetically decelerating mass driver with dual function (receiving and sending). A specific low mass configuration of MACEDONAS may be used as a portable unit for emergency situations for capturing emergency supplies.

Traction & achievements

European Patent filing 25/03/2021 International Patent filing 25/03/2022 Letter by EU patent office confirming “Intention to Grant” (21.06.2023) Unsolicited invitation to write a book on the topic by a publisher from Moldova! Unsolicited (18/08/22) offer by the producer of Bloomberg Television ADVANCEMENTS, with TED Danison, for a 6 min production to be aired at prime time, and 30 sec clip to be aired 100 times in the US market or markets of our choice and at time of our choice, plus Distribution on Amazon Prime US, UK, Germany and on “Voice of America” Global. invitation and financing offer of 20k for 1% of the equity, which means the valuation by the corresponding entity (www.pioneer.app) places our valuation at 2.000.000. Shortlisted with another 2 companies for the Space Innovation awards 2022. Won the international competition by Moon Village on Innovation in Lunar transportation : www.lunarcargo.space/win2.jpg Presented to the Antenna TV “DRAGONS DEN” episode and won a deal with two investors (to be aired the winter 2023-2024). We have identified a new algorithm, to increase precision of the elevation maps from NASA’s mission LRO, down to 0.9 m / pixel. This will permit us to chart landing stripes free of obstacles. New material by KENT Univ. will permit reuse of catcher (ballistic speeds resilient) We have established an Advisory Board consisting of: Sean BURNS (Operations) Tommaso SGOBBA (Safety) Dr Massimo BANDECCHI (Engineering)

Team & Why Us

Currently only the Founder is full time but has established an advisory Board consisting of : Sean BURNS (Operations) Tommaso SGOBBA (Safety) Dr Massimo BANDECCHI (Engineering) Growth is dependent on grants from ESA and Horizon2020 Pathfinder. Growth will be directed on topics that may improve bootstrapping. Geomatics analysis that needed for locating the optimal landing strips for OPLONAS and MACEDONAS installation valleys may be sold also as a service to third parties.

Funding Needs

300K to reach TRL4 for strengthening the Patent portflolio (National Phase) and for generating the elevation maps in the areas of interest.