Blue Origin has unveiled the Power Tower, a vertical solar energy system designed for future lunar bases. The system will be transported to the lunar south pole by the company's Mark 1 lander. Upon arrival, the tower will automatically deploy a 20-meter-high mast equipped with foldable solar arrays.
The design addresses the challenge of the lunar night, which typically lasts 14 Earth days. By utilizing the specific geometry of the lunar south pole, where the sun remains near the horizon, the vertical panels capture low-angle sunlight. The system is expected to generate power between 44% and 100% of the time, depending on the season.
Each Power Tower provides an output exceeding 10 kilowatts. This capacity is intended to support lunar infrastructure, including habitats and mining equipment. Blue Origin plans to connect multiple towers into a microgrid to ensure continuous energy supply for long-term lunar exploration.
The technology aims to facilitate the exploration of permanently shadowed craters at the south pole. These areas are believed to contain water ice, a critical resource for producing oxygen, drinking water, and rocket propellant. This solution offers an alternative to nuclear power for lunar missions.
