The Maglev Lander is a vital part of the Lightcraft. It is designed for 3 main functions as well as several less vital ones while in atmospheric flight.

First, the Maglev Lander is capable of extracting 2400 kg of water from some external source, e.g. a stream, river, or resovoir, and transporting it into the Lightcraft proper. Water is needed for liquid consumption by the crew, mass balancing of the Lightcraft, and expendable coolant purposes (in conjuction with MHD boosts). Systems onboard the lander and able to retrieve, purify, and then pump the water into the Lightcrafts plumbing system. 

Probably the most important function of the Maglev Lander is to serve as a shuttle craft for personal. The lander is able to descend magnetically right to a person's doorstep. A person can step into the lander, and in a few seconds step out into the Lightcraft. 

The Maglev Lander also can be used like a catapult to launch the Lightcraft while the ion-propulsion system is charging up. This is useful for quick take-offs. In order to launch the Lightcraft in this way the superconducting magnets in the Lightcraft and in the lander are adjusted to repel one another. The net result is that the Lightcraft is quickly propelled upward. Other propulsion methods can then be used to propel the Lightcraft from there. The maglev lander is magnetically re-docked after the push. 

The docking process which the lander uses is unique to Lightcraft, in that it is, as mentioned above, accomplished entirely with the use of superconducting magnets. Magnetic docking allows for fewer moving parts (longer use and less mass), more reliability, and ease of operation. The Lightcraft's 9 superconducting magnets and the landers 2 are charged to repel or attract one another. The net result of the charging is that the two craft dock or undock with one another. The Lightcraft's Magnetic Bearing System (MBS) aids in the docking process. When docked, special pressurized doors in the lander open to facilitate movement of passengers and cargo. The Maglev Lander is designed to carry a maximum load of approximately 6 people. 

The smaller, top part of the lander also serves as part of the long-range communications system. In conjunction with the rectenna, a giant transciever can be produced. This allows for extremely fast, super long-range communications abilities. Power for this system comes from the Lightcraft's superconducting magnets. 

In emergency situations, the Maglev Lander is able to provide an escape route. If both landers are used, the entire crew of 12 can be safely removed from any hazrdous onboard situation. The Maglev Landers can be deployed in emergency situations regardless of whether the Lightcraft is in the atmosphere or not. If the Landers are deployed in space, then they are able to serve as reentry vehicles into the atmosphere. During flight through the atmosphere, the Maglev Landers help add increased stability. This is acheived by rotating the Landers relative to the Lightcraft. The net result is similar to that of a frisbee being spun. The Maglev Lander is very shape-sensitive. It has to be in order to correctly focus laser light for propulsion. Computer-controlled actuators move the bottom hull of the lander to reflect the laser light in just the right way. Special tripod landing gear protect the sensitives surfaces from contact with the ground. Shape sensitivity is also important in enabling the docking process. The lander and Lightcraft surfaces must be flush with one another in order for the MBS to function properly.