Lunarsaber: Statue of Liberty-sized streetlights form Moon power grid

Honeybee Robotics has proposed a concept called LUNARSABER, aimed at establishing a power and communications grid on the Moon. This system would consist of self-deploying towers, each approximately the height of the Statue of Liberty, equipped with solar panels, batteries, and communication technology. The towers are designed to harness solar energy during the two weeks of continuous sunlight on the lunar surface and store it for use during the subsequent two weeks of darkness. The LUNARSABER towers would feature innovative solar panel designs, including an origami-style bellows for 360-degree sunlight capture and large sails that track the Sun's position. These towers could also beam energy to nearby equipment, facilitating a network that connects lunar outposts and vehicles. Additionally, lights mounted on the towers would serve as streetlights during the long lunar nights. While the concept is promising, the implementation timeline is uncertain, with NASA's Artemis mission now scheduled for late 2026, delaying the potential rollout of such infrastructure.

- Honeybee Robotics has introduced the LUNARSABER concept for lunar power and communication.

- The system includes self-deploying towers with solar panels and batteries.

- Towers can store solar energy for use during lunar nights and beam energy to nearby equipment.

- Innovative solar panel designs enhance energy capture efficiency.

- The timeline for deployment is uncertain, pending NASA's Artemis mission schedule.