Vast establishes lunar division with planned solar power station

(SpaceEnergy) Vast has established a Lunar Programs division and outlined plans for a lunar power station combining solar generation, energy storage and distribution as the first element of a proposed Moon infrastructure architecture.

The company said the Vast Power Station would provide foundational power infrastructure for subsequent lunar activities. Official imagery accompanying the announcement shows the proposed mobile system with a deployable solar array, and Vast has manufactured a prototype wheel and a prototype of the power station.

The power station forms the first element of a phased lunar programme drawing on technologies developed for Vast's Haven commercial space-station programme. Vast plans subsequently to deliver a free-standing lunar airlock and ultimately a multi-module habitat supporting long-duration crewed operations.

The company has also proposed a lunar communications and positioning satellite constellation intended to provide continuous South Pole coverage and Earth connectivity. Its design would draw on Vast's satellite programme, which is targeting a late-2027 launch of 10 high-power, 15kW-class satellites.

Vast did not give a deployment date, generating capacity, storage capacity or project cost for the proposed lunar power station.

The company said its lunar programme is intended to support NASA's planned phased development of sustained infrastructure on the Moon.