Applications are proposed for laser power transmission on the Moon. A solar-pumped laser in lunar orbit would beam power to the lunar surface for conversion into either electricity or propulsion needs. For example, lunar rovers could be much more flexible and lighter than rovers using other primary power sources. Also, laser power could be absorbed by lunar soil to create a hard glassy surface for dust-free roadways and launch pads. Laser power could also be used to power small lunar rockets or orbital transfer vehicles, and finally, photovoltaic laser converters could power remote excavation vehicles and human habitats. Laser power transmission is shown to be a highly flexible, enabling primary power source for lunar missions.
Enabling Lunar and Space Missions by Laser Power Transmission
1992
5 pages
Report
No indication
English
Extraterrestrial Exploration , Laser power beaming , Lunar bases , Photovoltaic conversion , Power supplies , Space missions , Spacecraft power supplies , Excavation , Laser heating , Laser outputs , Lunar roving vehicles , Lunar soil , Lunar surface , Orbit transfer vehicles , Spacecraft propulsion
A space transfer vehicle for lunar missions
NTRS | 1991
|NTIS | 1992
|SAE Technical Papers | 1966
|NTRS | 1966
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