Lunar-sourced GEO Powersats: An Integrated ISRU System

Abstract

Solar power satellites (powersats) can be built almost entirely from lunar resources. When C-class asteroids are also included as ore bodies a complete powersat can be built through in situ resource utilization (ISRU) given appropriate processing and transportation technology. This article provides an in-depth overview of the technical feasibility and economic viability of lunar construction and operations for powersat component construction and delivery to geostationary earth orbit (GEO). Techno-economic analysis suggests a return on investment in seven years assuming a three percent discount rate. Electrical power collected in GEO and beamed to terrestrial receivers by the powersats can be sold as baseload power in the wholesale electricity market to generate revenue. This work presents a complete concept of operations from initial rocket launches to regolith harvesting through transport to GEO. Lunar infrastructure can be constructed of modules to optimize size and weight for launch costs. Future growth can be derived from using ISRU to build additional processing bases. A scaleup in this manner can provide 22% of the world's energy needs by the end of a 20-year period. This work builds upon previous studies and completes the architectural description of predominantly lunar-sourced GEO powersats.