Communications and Command for a Nuclear Lunar Power Plant

Abstract

Extensive lunar exploration will require the establishment of relatively long-term lunar bases. The power demands and the high fuel transportation costs to support these bases will necessitate the utilization of nuclear power plants. In the following paper, the lunar exploration base is briefly described. The economics of electrical power production on the Moon are discussed and the need for a nuclear power plant is established. A power plant configuration is shown. Communications and command requirements are presented and the communications and command system is described.