First-Order System Assessment for Beamed-Microwave-Energy Propulsion Leveraging Lunar Resources and Multi-Use Infrastructure Systems

Beamed-Microwave-Energy Propulsion (BMEP) could address some of the lunar transportation needs of NASA’s Artemis program by leveraging in-situ produced materials as propellant—specifically water vapor and hydrogen—and connecting to microwave infrastructure proposed for use on the Moon. This work presents a high-level overview of how BMEP could fit into the proposed lunar infrastructure, take advantage of local resources, and positively impact progress towards a long-term and sustainable human presence on the Moon. A first-order approximation of the power requirements for lunar BMEP is also presented.