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Completed TRL 3 (started at 1, targeting 3)
NUBURU is proposing a high power blue laser based power beaming system to provide up to 1kW of electrical power at a remote site, 1GPS bi-directional lasercom data link between terminals, and, because the laser is visible, unaided visual navigation from one site to the next. The system can be configured as a point-to-point system or a broadcast system depending on the needs of the mission. This approach to power distribution on either the lunar surface or other planets such as Mars eliminates the need to bring heavy equipment to these sites to install copper or aluminum wires. Given the cost of lifting a kg of weight to these worlds, it is clear that power beaming is an ideal solution.
NASA identified the weight of transporting copper or aluminum wires as a significant issue for distributing power on a lunar or planetary base to remote locations. The cost of lifting equipment to the moon is about $1.8M/kg (NASA spaceflight forum). Due to space's commercialization, these costs are lowering and attempts have reached lunar orbit, but none have successfully landed. The cost goes up at least 5x when placing a system on Mars. Thus, it's uneconomical to transport wire or even its raw materials. Power beaming is a realistic solution.
The system will be deployable in minutes, restoring power to critical areas. Applications include temporary power to distressed areas damaged by war or natural disasters and power distribution at temporary remote depots, which allow the depots to be set up and removed rapidly. This capability should be of interest to DOD. FEMA may also be interested in the temporary power capability.
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