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Power Transmission by Laser Beam from Lunar-Synchronous Satellites to a Lunar Rover
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Abstract
This study addresses the possibility of beaming laser power from synchronous lunar orbits (the L1 and L2 LaGrange points) to a manned long-range lunar rover. The rover and two versions of a satellite system (one powered by a nuclear reactor; the other by photovoltaics) are described in terms of their masses, geometry, power needs, mission and technological capabilities. Laser beam power is generated by a laser diode array in the satellite and converted to 30 kW of electrical power at the rover. Present technological capabilities, with some extrapolation to near future capabilities, are used in the descriptions. The advantages of the two satellite/rover systems over other such systems and over rovers with on-board power are discussed along with the possibility of enabling other missions.
Authors
- M. D. Williams - NASA Langley Research Center
- R. J. DeYoung - NASA Langley Research Center
- G. L. Schuster - NASA Langley Research Center
- S. H. Choi - NASA Langley Research Center
- J.E. Dagle - Pacific Northwest Lab.
- E. P. Coomes - Pacific Northwest Lab.
- Z. I. Antoniak - Pacific Northwest Lab.
- J. A. Bamberger - Pacific Northwest Lab.
- J. M. Bates - Pacific Northwest Lab.
- M. A. Chiu - Pacific Northwest Lab.
- R. E. Dodge - Pacific Northwest Lab.
- J. A. Wise - Pacific Northwest Lab.
Citation
Williams, M., DeYoung, R., Schuster, G., Choi, S. et al., "Power Transmission by Laser Beam from Lunar-Synchronous Satellites to a Lunar Rover," SAE Technical Paper 929437, 1992, https://doi.org/10.4271/929437.Also In
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