Host: The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers
Name : [in Japanese]
Date : March 01, 2025
In recent years, space exploration has become increasingly active, with NASA leading the Artemis Program. This program aims to establish a lunar base as a steppingstone for resource exploration on the Moon and future human missions to Mars. The program is divided into three phases: Phase 1 involves lunar landing, Phase 2 focuses on expanding exploration areas and building infrastructure, and Phase 3 aims for sustained activities on the Moon. Phase 2 includes constructing a small-scale lunar base, developing pressurized rovers, and building power systems. Due to the harsh lunar environment, such as up to 360 hours of darkness and high transportation costs, technologies for energy storage and high energy density power generation are crucial. This study compares solar power, solar thermal power, and small nuclear reactors, assuming energy storage using lithium-ion batteries. The evaluation considers factors like system weight, energy density, supply duration, and installation area to identify the optimal power supply method for lunar bases.
