A Power Architecture for the ISECG Reference Architecture for Human Lunar Exploration

Paper number

IAC-10.A5.1.6

Author

Mr. Marc Haese, DLR, German Aerospace Center, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Pat George, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/Glenn Research Center, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Takeshi Hoshino, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Lee Mason, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/Glenn Research Center, United States

Coauthor

Mr. R. Gabe Merrill, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/Langley Research Center, United States

Year

2010

Abstract

Based on the goals of the Global Exploration Strategy (published by 14 space agencies in 2007) the International Space Exploration Coordination Group (ISECG) has been developing an example architecture and notional mission manifest for lunar human exploration, called theISECG Reference Architecture for Human Lunar Exploration. The mission manifest starts with human lunar return and spans over twelve years, comprising four phases of lunar exploration. The ISECG Reference Architecture advances the principles of programmatic and technical sustainability, affordability, science and Mars forward objectives, and particularly focuses on scientific return and international cooperation for its implementation. Electrical power management plays a critical role in the implementation of each phase. Solutions must be developed that respond to complex concepts of operations of surface elements and at the same time are limited by system constraints as well as transportation and logistics capabilities available.

The exploration phases of the ISECG Reference Architecture are characterised by Polar Exploration and System Validation, Polar Relocateability, Non-Polar Relocateability, and Long Duration; all of which are preceded by a Lunar Precursor Phase.  Each phase is notionally planned for a different location on the lunar surface where cargo landers from different international partners deliver elements (e.g. rovers, habitats, power and communication elements) and equipment to the surface. They will be utilised by astronauts during subsequent sortie or extended stay missions of up to 70 days. Astronauts conduct different types of scientific and exploration activities during their stays, some of which include extensive mobility operations during lunar day and night, thus demanding a highly-integrated power and energy capability. 

The international Power Function Team of the ISECG has performed an analysis of power system alternatives for the lunar surface architecture and has developed a suite of options for the GPoD architecture. The paper presents the results of the basic analysis of the Team, including the identified key drivers, top-level requirements, sub-functions and resulting architecture. It introduces the chosen parametric classification of power and energy systems and a set of conceptual systems that have been defined in order to implement the power architecture. Using examples of integrated operation profiles for the elements on the lunar surface, possible solutions for power and energy provision in the ISECG Reference Architecture are demonstrated. The inclusion of nuclear systems is discussed and presented as an alternative option.

Abstract document

IAC-10.A5.1.6.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-10.A5.1.6.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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