Space-Based Solar Power: Implications for Operational Robustness in Lunar EVAs and Exploration Architectures

Abstract

Human exploration of the lunar surface has large power requirements for both the lunar base and for rover exploration. NASA’s recent contract awards indicate a reliance on fission surface power. While nuclear options provide reliable power to lunar base locations, they have a limited reach that restricts exploration capacity. The Space Exploration Vehicle’s 125-mile range only allows coverage of 0.34% of the lunar surface. A constellation of space-based solar power (SBSP) satellites paired with pressurized rovers allows 24-h, full-surface coverage on excursions from the lunar base. A case study is conducted of the constellation design, system cost, operational lifetime, and power provided using SBSP. Results of the case study demonstrate that SBSP provides an additional 20 kW/h of emergency power and extends EVA range from 125 to 1000 km to cover 26 of the lunar geologic units, at an added lifecycle cost of less than 1% of the baseline mission cost. Addition of a SBSP constellation for rovers provides operational flexibility, safety, and robustness to enable multiple lunar exploration architectures beyond that enabled by surface power infrastructures, and should be further explored for lunar missions.