Powering the Moon: From Artemis Technology Demonstrations to a Lunar Economy

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is working towards developing and demonstrating new technologies, capabilities, and business approaches that are needed for future human deep space exploration missions. This includes collaborating with commercial and international partners to establish the first long-term presence on the Moon under the Artemis mission. Artemis lunar surface operations begin with robotically exploring the lunar south polar region for locations suitable for harvesting lunar surface resources. Over time, activities will expand beyond robotic operations, increasing the need for highly reliable and available electrical power. Beyond Artemis, there are interests in full commercial lunar surface activities. A lunar microgrid is being proposed to deliver highly reliable and available electrical power on the lunar surface and meet the power needs. Microgrids are of interest in terrestrial applications due to their ability to integrate a variety of renewable power sources. A similar approach can be taken for the lunar surface. A lunar microgrid would offer the ability to integrate various power sources to maximize power availability, including nuclear, solar arrays, batteries, and regenerative fuel cells. Microgrids are flexible and can be designed to allow for islanded operation, where power is utilized near the loads to minimize power distribution losses, or in a power sharing mode where power is transmitted longer distances. This capability is crucial during failures where overall power availability is reduced. Microgrids will also allow for the power system to grow and evolve over time, meeting the need to expand beyond initial lunar surface activities.