Optimized Satellite Constellation with Precision Navigation and Laser Beam Steering for Wireless Power Transmission in the Future Lunar Economy

In recent years, major space agencies have renewed their focus on the Moon, aiming to establish a permanent human presence, explore its surface, and harness its resources. A critical challenge in this endeavor is developing a robust energy infrastructure capable of sustaining operations despite the challenging conditions imposed by the long lunar nights and the morphology of the Moon. Wireless Power Transmission (WPT) emerges as a key enabler for long-term lunar activities, ensuring reliable energy to surface assets. Constellations of power beaming satellites in lunar orbit could provide continuous and adaptable power to any point of interest. This paper, developed within the framework of the Italian Space Agency (ASI) call “Sviluppo di progetti/esperimenti scientifici per la Luna – Development of projects/scientific experiments for the Moon”, investigates the design and optimization of satellite constellations for lunar WPT, with a focus on orbit optimization, autonomous navigation, and high-precision beam steering. First, a trade-off analysis on the altitude of the satellites is conducted and preliminary results on the multi-objective optimization of the constellation are introduced. The orbital environment so defined enables the study of an innovative navigation system developed to enhance orbital accuracy and ensure precise beam alignment. Given the limitations of Earth-dependent navigation methods, a fully autonomous approach based on sensor fusion techniques is explored. The proposed system integrates optical navigation methods, such as horizonbased navigation, with additional ranging techniques to improve orbit determination accuracy and enable precise beam steering. Finally, the laser beam steering system employs a dual-stage mechanism to control a high-reflectivity mirror. This system is analyzed using multibody modeling, incorporating active and passive isolation techniques to mitigate satellites’ internal and external disturbances. High-fidelity simulations identify an optimal architecture that meets operational requirements for stable power transmission. These findings contribute to the advancement of a robust lunar energy infrastructure, supporting future exploration and settlement initiatives