Space Power Satellites at the Moon Could Keep a Lunar Base Warm

Space power satellites at the moon could keep a lunar base warm

Lunar exploration is entering a new era. Long after the Apollo missions, a renewed international interest comes with ambitious plans for a long-term presence on the moon. NASA's Artemis program is leading efforts to return humans to the lunar surface, with Artemis III aiming to land astronauts near the moon's South Pole as early as 2026.

Space Power Satellites at the Moon Could Keep a Base Warm

Lunar exploration is gaining momentum, but one of the biggest challenges remains the Moon’s long, cold night, which lasts about two weeks. To address this, a team of researchers has proposed deploying a constellation of solar power satellites in lunar orbit. These satellites would beam energy wirelessly to a base on the Moon, providing a continuous supply of 1,600 kW of power, day or night. Their proposal includes launching 300 satellites by 203…

NSS Position Paper on the NASA 2026 Skinny Budget

The National Space Society has just released a Position Paper on the NASA 2026 Skinny Budget. Précis: NSS advocates increasing NASA's budget rather than reducing it, emphasizing support for critical future-oriented projects like lunar and Mars bases, artificial gravity, space solar power, and in-space resource utilization. NSS generally supports the Administration’s proposal to phase out

China and Russia Sign Deal to Build Lunar Nuclear Power Plant by 2036

China and Russia have agreed to build a nuclear-powered lunar station by 2036, aiming to outpace NASA’s delayed Artemis mission. The reactor will power a permanent research base at the Moon’s south pole and be constructed autonomously, according to Roscosmos. The deal marks a major step in their joint plan for long-term lunar and Mars exploration.

Lunar Exploration is entering a new era. Long after Apollo missions, a renewed international interest is accompanied by ambitious plans for a long-term presence on the moon. NASA's Artemis program is working to bring humans back to the lunar surface, Artemis III aiming to land the astronauts near [...]