Space-Based Solar Power: Conceptual and Preliminary Design of a Scalable SBSP System for a Lunar Demonstration Mission

Köster, H.

Space-Based Solar Power: Conceptual and Preliminary Design of a Scalable SBSP System for a Lunar Demonstration Mission

Master thesis (2025)

Authors

H. Köster Aerospace Engineering

Contributors

A Cervone (mentor)

Faculty

Aerospace Engineering

To reference this document use:

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:bacd51a3-6287-4c7a-b17a-d1d72dd0910e

More Info

expand_more

Published Date

05-02-2025

Language

English

Reuse Rights

Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.

Faculty

Aerospace Engineering

Abstract

A promising design of a Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP) system for a lunar demonstration mission has been developed. SBSP technology can offer a continuous power supply using solar energy and wireless power transmission, addressing challenges like the 15-day lunar night. The proposed concept employs Laser Power Transmission (LPT) due to its compact design and high power density, delivering 3 kW from a Frozen Polar Low Lunar Orbit to a surface receiver. The satellite integrates deployable MegaFlex solar arrays, a custom LPT subsystem, and robust power management, thermal control, and communication systems. A system sizing model estimates a total mass of 4057.43 kg and a solar array output of 15.8 kW. The scalable and redundant architecture could support future operations up to 45 kW.

Files

SBSP_Thesis_Hobie_K_ster_46523... (pdf)

(pdf | 13.8 Mb)

License info not available