Reflector placement for providing near-continuous solar power to robots in Shackleton Crater

Abstract

Motivated by a NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts study assessing the possibility of using solar reflectors to create a perpetual solar power-based energy oasis at the south pole of the Moon, this work identifies location combinations near Shackleton Crater that provide near-continuous access to sunlight. Specifically, location combinations are found in which at least one location in the set has access to sunlight throughout 99% of the year 2020. Locations are identified and evaluated using a process involving two illumination simulation and analysis methods and a set-cover algorithm. Results are presented that demonstrate the trade-off between number of locations and height above surface level to achieve near-continuous access to sunlight near Shackleton Crater. Identified near-continuous solar power solutions span from three locations 25 meters above surface level to single locations 775 meters above surface level.