Universe Power Grid for Ubiquitous Space Exploration

Abstract: The classical small-scale and independent space electric modules are unable to meet the increasingly prosperous construction and operation of future large-scale space infrastructure, such as planetary bases, space data centers, interstellar navigation, satellite communication, etc. The existing space electric generation, storage and dissipation style appear as constrained energy supply, low efficiency for long distance transmission, and scheduling difficulties in high-latency scenarios. Here, to break through such basic architectural bottlenecks, we propose a conceptual Universe Power Grid (UPG) and scheme its fundamental interconnected infrastructure and relay-style technical framework to deliver energy anywhere over the whole cosmic region as one can conceive. The UPG is a three-tier hierarchical topological architecture encompassing a near-Sun ultra-high-flux power generation zone, an interplanetary backbone relay zone, and an infinitely extendable deep-space edge power supply zone, thereby achieving universe wide energy coverage across the entire solar system and even farther celestial bodies. The key technologies of UPG, laser/microwave wireless power transmission link and a multi-hop spatial relay method, are interpreted and preliminarily evaluated, aiming to overcome the inherent physical constraints of inverse-square attenuation in free-space energy transmission. Specifically, distributed grid physical structure and smart control network of UPG can resolve the high failure rate in series and large latency at deep space environment. Quantitative calculations reveal that, compared to traditional in-situ solar energy harvesting architectures, the energy output efficiency of this UPG architecture can be possibly enhanced by 426 times and 587 times in Jupiter and Saturn orbits, , and by 74 times in Neptune orbit respectively. The UPG, as a potential core space infrastructure for future, is capable of providing extra huge power, long-term and far-distance electric supply for leaps in human deep space exploration capabilities and interstellar civilization development.