Astrolab plans to build a lunar energy and communications network that can deliver more than 100 kilowatts (kW) of power using utility nodes provided by its FLEX rovers.
The company unveiled the Lunar Utility Module for Industrial Services (LUMIS) on Nov. 4, describing it as a system designed to provide power, connectivity and data services to customers operating on the moon.
The first LUMIS demonstration nodes are designed to produce 2 kW of power each, future versions could reach 20 kW. Multiple units could be delivered on a cargo lander, transported by a single FLEX rover and connected to form a network of more than 100 kW.
According to Astrolab, this approach could deliver significant energy before expected nuclear energy systems become available, without the regulatory and safety requirements associated with nuclear facilities.
The announcement also marks the expansion of Astrolab’s business beyond lunar rovers. Its newly launched Lunar Operating System (LUNAR OS) combines FLEX mobility systems with LUMIS power, communications and data services to support longer-term human and robotic operations.
Rovers position lunar infrastructure
Unlike traditional infrastructure that is delivered to a fixed landing site, LUMIS nodes could be transported tens of kilometers across the lunar surface after landing.
Astrolab’s FLEX rover would transport the equipment to locations with better sunlight and better communications coverage. This separates the choice of a safe landing site from the positioning of operational infrastructure, potentially allowing the delivery of more equipment with fewer lunar flights.
The distinction is particularly important near the moon’s south pole, where small changes in terrain can affect solar radiation and direct views of Earth.
According to Astrolab, moving infrastructure by just 50 meters could result in hundreds of additional hours of darkness or reduce Earth’s near-continuous visibility to about half.
The company identified the Shackleton–de Gerlache ridge as an area where communications coverage could be a challenge. LUMIS nodes positioned at elevated sites on the Malapert massif or Mons Mouton could maintain a near-continuous connection with the Earth while maintaining visibility of the ridge more than 100 kilometers away.
Nodes placed along the ridge could then relay communications through inter-node links, providing local Wi-Fi and 5G connectivity for devices and operations.
The power supply supports sustainable operation
LUMIS is being developed with a vertical solar tower, batteries, transceivers, wireless power transfer capabilities and integrated edge computing.
The system is designed to provide direct communications to Earth, local wireless connectivity and long-distance backhaul connections between installations. Its internal power reserves are intended to support operation for over 400 hours while continuing to supply external payloads.
Potential applications include charging visiting rovers, transmitting scientific data to Earth, and powering in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) equipment, which extracts and processes local lunar materials.
Astrolab plans to offer these features as services through LUNAR OS. Instead of building and maintaining their own infrastructure, customers could pay for access and use, with shared facilities for smaller users and dedicated equipment for larger needs.
The company is targeting its first LUMIS deployment in 2028 as part of its previously announced commercial FLEX mission aboard SpaceX’s Starship.
Astrolab was previously selected to develop a manned lunar rover for NASA’s Artemis program. It is also preparing its FLEX Lunar Innovation Platform (FLIP) for a planned launch aboard Voyager Technologies’ Griffin-1 lander as part of a NASA lunar south pole mission.
