MIC: Magnetically Deployable Structures for Power, Propulsion, Processing, Habitats and Energy Storage at Manned Lunar Bases

Abstract

MIC (Magnetically Inflated Cables) is a new approach for robotically erecting very large, strong, rigid, and ultra‐lightweight structures in space. MIC structures use a network of high current (SC) cables with attached high tensile strength Kevlar or Spectra tethers. MIC is launched as a compact package of coiled SC cables and tethers on a conventional launch vehicle. Once in space the SC cables are electrically energized. The resultant strong outwards magnetic forces expand them and the restraining tethers into a large structure, which can be 100’s of meters in size. MIC structures can be configured for many different applications, including solar electric generation, solar thermal propulsion, energy storage, large space telescopes, magnetic shielding for astronauts, etc. The MIC technology components, including high temperature superconductors (HTS), thermal insulation, high strength tethers, and cryogenic refrigerators all exist commercially. Refrigeration requirements are very modest, on the order of 100 watts thermal per kilometer of MIC cable, with an input electric power to the refrigeration system of ∼5 kW(e) per km. baseline MIC designs are described for a manned lunar base, including: 1) a 1 MW(e) solar electric system, 2) a high Isp (∼900 seconds) solar thermal tug to transport 30 ton payloads between the Earth and the Moon, 3) a 2000 Megajoule electric energy storage system for peaking and emergency power, and 4) a large (∼1 km) space telescope.