Constraints on the Design of a Lunar-to-Earth Wireless Power Transmission System

Paper number

IAC-08.C3.1.8

Author

Dr. Frank Little, Texas A&M University, United States

Year

2008

Abstract

The dream of importing environmentally friendly power to the earth from space had its origin with Peter Glaser’s Solar Power Satellite (SPS) concept in 1968. In 1990, Criswell and Waldron proposed using the Earth’s own natural satellite, the moon, as a Lunar Power Satellite (LPS). They proposed robotic manufacture and assembly of the components of the LPS on the moon. They projected collecting and transmitting (via 2.45 GHz microwaves) multi terawatts of power.
The decision by the United States to return to the Moon as part of its strategic goal for the exploration of the solar system has renewed international interest in the moon’s commercial potential, including as a source of energy and materials for terrestrial, cis-lunar or interplanetary use.
This paper examines the case for the moon providing energy directly to the earth as a Lunar Power Satellite. The constraints on wireless power transmission from the moon are examined. Both direct lunar–to–earth transmission and lunar-to-redirecting satellite-to-earth transmission will be considered for the Lunar Power Satellite. 

Abstract document

IAC-08.C3.1.8.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.C3.1.8.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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