Frequently asked questions

What is the Modular Drum Conveyor (MDC)?

The MDC is a patented, rotating drum system with integrated helical flights inside a sealed pipe.
It moves regolith through rolling rather than sliding, reducing abrasion, minimizing dust generation, and ensuring safe, continuous transport in lunar conditions.

Key Technical Features:

• Low Gravity Operation: Works in lunar gravity (1/6th of Earth).

• Vacuum Resilience: Operates without atmospheric pressure.

• Minimal Wear: Regolith particles roll, reducing mechanical stress.

• Dust Containment: Fully enclosed system prevents dispersion.

• Flexible Layout: Modules can be connected horizontally, vertically, or along slopes.

• Space-Grade Materials: Designed for extreme temperatures, radiation, and dust abrasion.

How MDC Enables Scalable ISRU?

• Continuous Regolith Delivery: Supplies preconditioned regolith to ISRU units (e.g., oxygen plants, 3D printers).

• Lunar Night Survival: Stores and manages thermal energy using regolith.

• Infrastructure Growth: Creates a regolith distribution network connecting excavation, processing, and construction sites.

• Energy Efficiency: Reduces rover reliance by 80–90%, saving mass, energy, and operational costs.

What is Lunar Regolith?

Lunar regolith is a fine, powdery soil covering the Moon's surface, composed of crushed rock fragments, volcanic glass, and mineral dust.

Why Regolith Matters?

• Oxygen Source: Regolith has oxygen bound in oxides.

• Construction Material: Suitable for making landing pads, roads, and shelters.

• Thermal Mass: Acts as an excellent medium for storing heat to survive lunar nights.

• Resource Mining: Helium-3 and other volatiles for future energy applications.

Handling Challenges

• Highly Abrasive: Damages machinery quickly.

• Electrostatically Charged: Sticks to everything.

• Dusty and Hazardous: Inhalation risk for astronauts.

Polimak’s Regolith Pipeline is engineered to solve these challenges safely and reliably.