A recent study by the NASA Glenn Research Center assessed the fe A recent study by the NASA Glenn Research Center assessed the feasibility of using asibility of using photovoltaics photovoltaics (PV) to power spacecraft for outer planetary, deep space missio (PV) to power spacecraft for outer planetary, deep space missions. ns. While the majority of spacecraft have relied on While the majority of spacecraft have relied on photovoltaics photovoltaics for primary power, the for primary power, the drastic reduction in solar intensity as the spacecraft moves far drastic reduction in solar intensity as the spacecraft moves farther from the sun has ther from the sun has either limited the power available (severely curtailing scientif either limited the power available (severely curtailing scientific operations) or ic operations) or necessitated the use of nuclear systems. A desire by NASA and th necessitated the use of nuclear systems. A desire by NASA and the scientific e scientific community to explore various bodies in the outer solar system an community to explore various bodies in the outer solar system and conduct d conduct " "long long--term term" " operations using smaller, operations using smaller, " "lower lower--cost cost" " spacecraft has renewed interest in spacecraft has renewed interest in exploring the feasibility of using exploring the feasibility of using photovoltaics photovoltaics for missions to Jupiter, Saturn and for missions to Jupiter, Saturn and beyond. With recent advances in solar cell performance and conti beyond. With recent advances in solar cell performance and continuing development nuing development in lightweight, high power solar array technology, the study det in lightweight, high power solar array technology, the study determined that ermined that photovoltaics photovoltaics is indeed a viable option for many of these missions.is indeed a viable option for many of these missions.

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This paper evaluates the benefits to the lunar architecture and outpost of having a surplus of water, or a surplus of energy in the form of hydrogen and oxygen, as it has been predicted by Constellation Program's Lunar Surface System analyses. Assumptions and a scenario are presented leading to the water surplus and the revolutionary surface element options for improving the lunar exploration architecture and mission objectives. For example, some of the elements that can benefit from a water surplus are: the power system energy storage can minimize the use of battery systems by replacing batteries with higher energy density fuel cell systems; battery packs on logistics pallets can also be minimized; mobility asset power system mass can be reduced enabling more consumables and extended roving duration and distance; small robotic vehicles (hoppers) can be used to increase the science exploration range by sending round-trip robotic missions to anywhere on the Moon using in-situ produced propellants.