Astrolab Develops Lunar Power Network to Support Future Missions
Astrolab is working on a lunar power and communications network designed to provide more than 100 kilowatts (kW) of electricity using utility nodes deployed by its FLEX rovers. The company introduced the Lunar Utility Module for Industrial Services (LUMIS) on November 4, outlining its capabilities to deliver energy, connectivity, and data services for lunar operations.
The initial LUMIS demonstration nodes are set to generate 2 kW of power each, with future iterations potentially reaching 20 kW. By deploying multiple units via a single FLEX rover, the network could exceed 100 kW, providing substantial power before the anticipated availability of nuclear energy systems, which come with complex regulatory and safety requirements.
This initiative marks a significant expansion of Astrolab’s business beyond lunar rovers. The newly introduced Lunar Operating System (LUNAR OS) integrates FLEX mobility systems with LUMIS power, communications, and data services to facilitate longer-term human and robotic operations on the Moon.
Flexible Infrastructure Deployment
Unlike traditional infrastructure that is fixed at a landing site, LUMIS nodes can be moved across the lunar surface after landing. Astrolab’s FLEX rover will transport the equipment to locations with optimal sunlight exposure and communications coverage. This flexibility allows for better operational efficiency, as it decouples the choice of landing site from the positioning of infrastructure.
Near the Moon’s south pole, even minor adjustments in infrastructure placement can significantly impact solar exposure and communication visibility. Astrolab noted that moving infrastructure just 50 meters could lead to hundreds of additional hours of darkness or reduce visibility of Earth by half.
Enhanced Communication Capabilities
Astrolab identified specific areas, such as the Shackleton–de Gerlache connecting ridge, where communication coverage could be challenging. By positioning LUMIS nodes at elevated locations like Malapert Massif or Mons Mouton, near-continuous links with Earth could be maintained while also ensuring visibility of the ridge, which is over 100 kilometers away. Nodes along the ridge could facilitate inter-node communication, providing local Wi-Fi and 5G connectivity for various operations.
Supporting Sustainable Operations
The LUMIS system will feature a vertical solar array tower, batteries, transceivers, wireless power transfer capabilities, and onboard edge computing. It is designed to enable direct-to-Earth communications, local wireless connectivity, and long-range backhaul links between installations. The internal power reserves are expected to support operations for over 400 hours while supplying power to external payloads.
Potential applications for the LUMIS network include recharging visiting rovers, transmitting scientific data to Earth, and powering equipment for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), which involves processing local lunar materials. Astrolab plans to offer these services through LUNAR OS, allowing customers to access shared facilities or dedicated equipment based on their needs.
The first deployment of LUMIS is targeted for 2028, as part of a commercial FLEX mission aboard SpaceX’s Starship. Astrolab was previously selected to develop a crewed lunar rover for NASA’s Artemis program and is also preparing its FLEX Lunar Innovation Platform (FLIP) for a planned launch aboard Voyager Technologies’ Griffin-1 lander for a lunar south pole mission.
Source: Interesting Engineering