Energy in Orbit: Powering the Future of the Space Economy
Energy is the foundation of sustained activity in space, driving everything from propulsion and life support to lunar mining and orbital manufacturing. As missions extend farther and last longer, new energy systems—solar arrays, nuclear propulsion, in-situ resource utilization—are becoming essential to enabling permanent infrastructure beyond Earth. Simultaneously, space-based energy technologies have the potential to transform terrestrial markets, from wireless power transmission to high-efficiency renewables. The energy economy and space economy are converging at the frontier of innovation and industrialization.
RESEARCH RELEASE:
Power Production in the Space Economy:
Fission Reactors, Advanced Solar Systems, and Orbital Innovations for Sustained Extraterrestrial Operations
Comprehensive analysis of power generation technologies for sustained extraterrestrial operations, examining NASA's Fission Surface Power initiative, vertical solar array prototypes, and infrared laser beaming systems across 2020-2025 development cycles. Documents validated outcomes including TRL 5-6 fission reactor designs achieving 150 kg/kWe specific mass, electrodynamic dust shields demonstrating 80-100% removal efficiency on Blue Ghost lunar mission, and 1.1 kW optical power transmission demonstrations. Delivers strategic frameworks for technology selection, hybrid grid integration, and regulatory pathway navigation. Serves engineers evaluating power system architectures and investors assessing infrastructure deployment opportunities in the $500M-$2B lunar power market.
Power Production in the Space Economy: Research Publication
In August 2025, NASA's Fission Surface Power directive allocated $350M toward 100+ kWe lunar reactor development, validating nuclear power as essential infrastructure for sustained extraterrestrial operations. This white paper examines five years of power technology maturation (2020–2025) across fission surface reactors, advanced solar architectures, and infrared laser beaming systems. As Artemis Base Camp targets early-2030s deployment and commercial platforms pursue in-situ resource utilization requiring 60–70 kW continuous loads, the analysis documents competing approaches to the foundational challenge of delivering reliable electricity through 354-hour lunar nights, -173°C to +127°C thermal extremes, and pervasive regolith dust. With fission reaching TRL 5–6, vertical solar arrays at TRL 6–8, and laser beaming demonstrations achieving 10–20% end-to-end efficiency, the 2026–2030 period represents a critical maturation window before operational deployment decisions.
The Future of Energy Systems in the Space Economy: Innovations and Implications
The burgeoning space economy is anticipated to reach a staggering $1.8 trillion by 2035, driven by remarkable advancements in technology and infrastructure. Central to this growth is the exploration of innovative energy systems that can support sustainable operations beyond Earth.