Exploring the Moon isn't easy.

Among the many challenges it presents, one of the most tricky is being able to provide consistent and reliable power to lunar rovers. The machines require continuous power to do their jobs, which range from geological surveys to infrastructure development. However, traditional solar panels are limited by the Moon's long night cycles and fluctuating temperatures; this makes having the ability to store energy essential. But batteries increase weight and cost, which hurts mission efficiency.

What's more, the costs of transporting cables or energy storage solutions from Earth are so high that traditional methods of providing power are impractical.

A New Way to Power the Moon

Wireless energy transmission, on the other hand, could deliver power in real time, ensuring rovers would operate continuously without interruptions or costly maintenance.

NTT thinks a new wireless energy transmission technology under development could provide the answer. Demonstrated at the NTT R&D Forum event recently held in Tokyo, its prototype system combines cutting-edge materials and innovative transmission methods to create a power grid suited for Moon-based operations.

Electric Field Resonance

Unlike conventional ways of providing power, the system doesn't rely on magnetic resonance, which typically focuses on pinpoint, localized energy transfer. Instead, it uses electric field resonance antennas, which generate strong electric field waves with incredible efficiency. The waves travel across the regolith—the lunar surface—and offer energy transmission over much larger areas than have been possible until now.

Compared to magnetic resonance technologies, NTT's system offers an energy transmission area more than 100 times larger, which means that power can be delivered across long distances on the lunar surface without needing huge amounts of infrastructure.

What's more, the transmission efficiency is ten times better than that of microwave-based systems, so it's a highly economical solution for the energy needs of rovers.

The Future of Space Exploration

NTT plans to debut the technology and power unmanned lunar rovers in 2030. Looking further ahead, the system has the potential to play a huge role in space development projects. One of them is the development of space elevators—NTT believes it could be possible to power elevator lifts between Earth and space by 2050. That application alone could open up markets worth an estimated one trillion yen. It's a power system with massive economic and scientific potential.

And Power on Earth

It could work on Earth, too. Long-distance wireless energy transmission is a field of growing interest, particularly for sustainable power systems that minimize reliance on physical infrastructure. By refining the technology, researchers could eventually develop applications that benefit industries and communities all around the world. Imagine the potential to transmit energy and create power grids in remote locations, where it's impossible to lay down traditional infrastructure.

Wireless energy transmission could be a game-changer for future exploration and innovation. By powering lunar rovers and creating scalable energy solutions, it gives us the possibility of long-term sustainability in space exploration. From powering unmanned vehicles on the Moon to helping humanity's leap into deeper space, NTT's technology is a step closer to the stars.

For more details of the NTT R&D Forum event, please see this website:
https://www.rd.ntt/e/forum/2024/

For further information on NTT's wireless energy transmission technology, please see:
https://www.rd.ntt/forum/2024/doc/D05-09-e.pdf

If you would like to contact a member of NTT's R&D team, please see:
https://tools.group.ntt/en/rd/contact/index.php

NTT—Innovating the Future

Daniel O'Connor

Daniel O'Connor joined the NTT Group in 1999 when he began work as the Public Relations Manager of NTT Europe. While in London, he liaised with the local press, created the company's intranet site, wrote technical copy for industry magazines and managed exhibition stands from initial design to finished displays.

Later seconded to the headquarters of NTT Communications in Tokyo, he contributed to the company's first-ever winning of global telecoms awards and the digitalisation of internal company information exchange.

Since 2015 Daniel has created content for the Group's Global Leadership Institute, the One NTT Network and is currently working with NTT R&D teams to grow public understanding of the cutting-edge research undertaken by the NTT Group.