Design and Testing of a Laser-Based Wireless Power Transmission Subsystem for Lunar Satellite Constellations

This study presents the design and preliminary verification of a wireless power transmission (WPT) system based on high-power laser emission from lunar orbit. The system comprises a constellation of satellites in quasi-frozen lunar orbits, equipped with high-efficiency fiber lasers that convert solar energy into optical power. This energy is beamed to the Moon’s surface, where it is received and converted into electricity by photonic power converters (PPCs) located nearstrategic infrastructure zones. The paper focuses on key subsystems relevant to satellite design and testing, including laser payload integration, beam collimation optics, thermal management, and pointing accuracy control using Fine Steering Mirrors. A full satellite model is dimensioned, and its inertia matrix is derived to support attitude control design under realistic external disturbances such as solar radiation pressure and the lunar gravity gradient. Experimental validation of PPC performance under different laser power densities is conducted to assess efficiency and thermal behavior. Results confirm the feasibility of laser WPT for lunar environments and provide critical input for subsystem qualification and mission planning. The study advances the design and subsystem-level testing of satellite-based laser WPT architectures for lunar power stations, with a focus on orbital dynamics, laser integration, thermal management, beam steering, and power conversion.