ispace and Mitsubishi Electric were selected as contract partners for the concept design of a lunar solar power tower in JAXA's competitive proposal process. Launches are envisaged from 2030 onward.
In the competitive proposal process conducted by JAXA for the concept design of a lunar solar power tower, ispace and Mitsubishi Electric were each selected as a contract partner. They plan to proceed with the concept design after entering into the contracts. Publicly available information indicates that launches are envisaged from 2030 onward.
The lunar solar power tower is a facility with a tall, tower-like structure that supplies power while receiving sunlight for longer periods in the lunar south polar region. It is being considered to reduce the impact of terrain obstructing sunlight.
Drawing on its experience developing lunar landers, ispace will be responsible for detailing the configuration and specifications of the power supply system in the concept design.
Mitsubishi Electric has a track record in space-based power generation, storage and transmission technologies, and is expected to apply its development experience to the concept design with a view to reducing costs and enabling mass production.