Magnetic levitation trains, maglev trains, are a proposed form of transportation that would significantly reduce travel times. The trains work by having magnetized coils in the railway which repel the magnets in the undercarriage of the train. In order to start or stop the train, electric currents control and constantly alternate the polarity of the magnetized coils. This creates a magnetic field in the front that pulls the train forwards while the one in the back creates greater forward thrust. The contrast in polarity between the train and tracks allows the train to slightly levitate anywhere from 0.39 to 3.93 inches above the rails, creating a cushion of air that eliminates friction. This lack of friction would allow the trains to move at 310 mph, twice the speed of Amtrak’s faster commuter train. Not only would maglev trains reduce travel time, but the same technology could also be used to propel spacecrafts into space. Currently, the price of fuel required to launch a kilogram of cargo into Low Earth Orbit is at $10,000 while a manned launch requires $100,000 per kilogram of passenger. Using maglev technology, the price would be significantly reduced, opening up the possibility of commercial space travel.
http://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/engines-equipment/maglev-train1.htm
http://newatlas.com/startram-maglev-to-leo/21700/
