A solar electric propulsion mission for lunar power beaming

Abstract: As the NASA Vision for Space Exploration takes shape, one of the key issues that will affect the lunar exploration is the ability to provide electric power to various surface locations. This power should be available through daylight times as well as night times. While nuclear reactors and radioisotope power sources are a choice for continuous power, it is the purpose of this paper to explore the advantages of an electric propulsion spacecraft plus laser power beaming to provide power to any location on the lunar surface. The starting point for the electric propulsion mission is a 500km altitude. Thrusting only occurs when the satellite is in sunlight. Radiation damage that occurs during transit of the Earth''s radiation belts is taken into account. The satellite is placed in a 30,000 by 500km orbit around the moon where it beams power to locations within 45° north or south of the equator. Laser power beaming only occurs when the satellite views the sun and the surface location is in the dark. Power delivered to the surface over a two year mission is presented along with the results of adding a second satellite. With two satellites, the maximum time when the site won’t receive power at night is about three days. This significantly reduces the need for a lunar storage system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]