A Tower on the Moon: A Potential Source of Light, Power, and Guidance for Astronauts

Exciting developments in technology are paving the way for NASA’s Artemis mission, which aims to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon. One innovative idea from Honeybee Robotics, a leading space technology company now owned by Blue Origin, could address multiple challenges with a single piece of infrastructure. The Lunar Utility Navigation with Advanced Remote Sensing and Autonomous Beaming for Energy Redistribution (LUNARSABER) is a 100m tall tower that can support one ton of equipment on top of it. This tower could serve as a central hub for power, communications, and lighting at an Artemis base on the Moon, forming a mesh network with other key locations on the lunar surface.

The technology behind LUNARSABER is quite remarkable. Landing a 100-meter tower on the Moon is not feasible with conventional rocket technology, so Honeybee is leveraging the Deployable Interlocking Actuated Bands for Linear Operations (DIABLO) system. This system uses a deployable cylindrical structure made of a rolled piece of metal to support heavy payloads at the base of LUNARSABER.

One of the key features of LUNARSABER is its ability to generate power using solar panels attached to its sides. The tower can deploy solar panels in two different configurations to capture sunlight effectively during the Moon’s 14-day day-night cycle. This power generation capability, estimated to be around 100kW, is essential for sustaining operations on the lunar surface, especially during the cold lunar night.

Aside from supplying power, LUNARSABER has four main functions:

1. Power beaming to other devices
2. Tracking and locating surrounding assets
3. Communicating with a variety of assets
4. Providing light for better visibility

The power beaming capability of LUNARSABER allows it to transfer power to other devices, ensuring continuous operation even in shadowed areas. The tower’s tracking system enables it to locate and provide power to assets within its vicinity, making it a versatile energy distribution system for lunar exploration missions.

Moreover, LUNARSABER serves as a communication hub, facilitating wireless connectivity between different assets on the lunar surface. This capability enhances coordination among rovers and astronauts, enabling seamless collaboration in remote lunar environments.

Additionally, the tower’s floodlights can illuminate the surroundings, enhancing visibility for astronauts and rovers during lunar night operations. By combining several LUNARSABER towers in a mesh network, constant solar power and communication with Earth can be achieved, even on the far side of the Moon.

Overall, LUNARSABER represents a versatile and essential infrastructure component for future lunar exploration missions. Its multifunctional capabilities, ranging from power distribution to communication and illumination, make it a valuable asset in enabling sustainable human presence on the Moon. With ongoing advancements in space technology, projects like LUNARSABER are crucial for expanding our understanding of the lunar environment and paving the way for future space exploration endeavors.

Source: A Tower On The Moon Could Provide Astronauts With Light, Power, and Guidance