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GE⊕ Lunar Power Station

Programme Reference

21-D-S-TEC-01-d

Status

Closed

Country

Switzerland

Start Date

2021

End Date

2023

Programme: Discovery Prime Contractor: Astrostrom GmbH

Description

The main objective of the study is to investigate the technological feasibility of implementing the GE⊕-LPS concept, and its role as a prototype for proposed cislunar scenarios supplying electric power to Earth. The methodological approach to the study has been to identify and validate the most simple and effective solutions which ould be practically implemented with known and existing technologies and approaches.Another objective was the evaluation of the economic feasibility. Would the implementation of the GE⊕-LPS be worth the initial investment? Simply providing power to a modest lunar operation would most probably not justify nor attract the necessary investment and commitment needed for its implementation. Therefore, the study has analysed the GE⊕-LPS concept in its macro-economic context that considers competing approaches to terrestrial and space-based power producing systems.The Greater Earth Lunar Power Station (GE⊕-LPS) as proposed in this study is a multipurpose concept that addresses several critical issues related to lunar development and terrestrial energy production. Briefly stated, the GE⊕ Lunar Power Station is a solar power satellite to deliver MWs of microwave power to the lunar surface with a small integrated habitable space station. GE⊕-LPS will be constructed primarily from lunar resources and materials using lunar based automatised manufacturing processes. As such, the GE⊕-LPS can provide needed electrical power for lunar based activities, serve as a gateway between Earth and Moon operations, provide artificial gravity for adaptive health purposes, serve as an attractive tourist destination and possibly become the prototype for future space settlements in geo-lunar space. Perhaps more importantly, as the GE⊕-LPS concept and its energy production functions may be scaled to any dimension, larger versions could be positioned in Earth orbit and provide much needed clean solar energy for terrestrial purposes.As such, the GE⊕-LPS unites the aims of lunar development with widely shared aspirations of spaceflight while addressing the critical energy and environmental needs of human civilisation on Earth. Project VideosGreater Earth Energy SynergiesGreater Earth Energy Synergies from GreaterEarth on Vimeo.Here to StayHere to Stay from GreaterEarth on Vimeo.Mining the MoonMining the Moon for Energy on Earth from GreaterEarth on Vimeo.Greater Earth Lunar Space ElevatorGreater Earth Lunar Space Elevator from GreaterEarth on Vimeo.Up and Down the Cislunar Transportation SystemUp and Down the Cislunar Transportation System from GreaterEarth on Vimeo.

Application domain: Exploration

Technology Domain:
03 - Space Systems Electrical Power
08 - System Design & Verification
Competence Domain:
02 - Structures / Mechanisms / Materials / Thermal
04 - Electric Architecture / Power & Energy / EMC
05 - End-to-end RF / Optical Systems / Products for Navigation, Comm., Remote Sensing
Initial TRL: TRL N/A Target TRL: TRL N/A Achieved TRL: TRL N/A

Public Document:

Executive Summary
PDF
Executive Summary
PDF

GE⊕ Lunar Power Station