Lunar exploration is entering a new era, driven by renewed international interest and NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon, particularly with Artemis III planned for 2026.

The focus of lunar missions has shifted from brief visits to establishing a sustainable human presence, which includes building habitats and developing on-site resources.

Countries like China and India have successfully conducted robotic missions, while private companies are increasingly involved in lunar exploration through commercial partnerships.

A significant challenge for lunar operations is the extreme cold during the two-week-long lunar night, where temperatures can drop below -170°C, complicating power and thermal management.

Current power solutions, such as solar panels and fission reactors, are inadequate for meeting the energy needs of a permanent lunar base during these long nights.

To address these energy challenges, recent research proposes a constellation of space-based solar power (SBSP) satellites that would provide continuous energy to the lunar surface, regardless of the lunar day-night cycle.

The proposed ZEUS satellite constellation, consisting of 300 solar-powered satellites, would collect solar energy in orbit and wirelessly transmit it to receiving stations at the DIANA lunar base.

This constellation is designed to ensure that at least one satellite is always in line-of-sight with the lunar base, providing a stable power supply crucial for long-term missions.

These satellites would convert sunlight into microwave or laser energy, which would then be beamed to the lunar surface and converted back into electricity for habitats and equipment.

Future missions could utilize lunar materials for constructing parts of the satellite system, thereby reducing dependence on Earth-based launches and enhancing the sustainability of lunar operations.

This innovative approach to lunar energy is supported by the Space Generation Advisory Council and ASTRAEUS, aiming to facilitate a sustainable, long-term human presence on the Moon.