Lunar surface energy infrastructure: from in-situ resource utilization to deep space exploration

Abstract

Sustainable, high-power energy infrastructure is essential for lunar bases yet must withstand the Moon’s extreme environment. This review compares power-generation, storage, and grid technologies across performance, environmental adaptation, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) compatibility, and technology readiness; adds a first-order economic cost–benefit analysis of integrated architectures; and proposes a staged, milestone-driven development roadmap. Together, these provide a framework for resilient, ISRU-enabled lunar energy systems supporting habitation and deep-space exploration.