Blue Origin Unveiled 20-Meter Lunar Power Tower
The deployable solar array aims to sustain moon base operations at the lunar south pole by 2032.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Space
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Blue Origin has unveiled the Power Tower, a 20-meter tall deployable solar array designed to provide over 10 kilowatts of electricity for lunar surface infrastructure. The system is an evolution of previous research-stage technology tested by the company.
Why it matters
The tower is intended to solve the challenge of sustained power generation for a moon base at the lunar south pole. This development is part of the ongoing infrastructure planning required for a planned operational base by 2032.
The Power Tower reaches a height of 20 meters and is rated to produce over 10 kilowatts of power. It represents an evolution of the Lunar Array Mast and Power System (LAMPS) technology tested at Johnson Space Center in 2024.
The players
Blue Origin
An aerospace company developing launch vehicles, lunar landers, and infrastructure for orbital and planetary operations.
Honeybee Robotics
A subsidiary of Blue Origin specializing in advanced robotics, planetary surface exploration tools, and specialized hardware.
The details
The Power Tower utilizes a modular architecture designed to support surface networks at the lunar south pole. The system functions by extending a vertical mast from a base unit, which then branches out mechanical arms to unfold solar arrays. This design allows the structure to deploy and stow solar collectors autonomously, building on performance data gathered during Earth-based tests.
Timeline
2024: The Lunar Array Mast and Power System technology underwent testing at Johnson Space Center.
July 22, 2026: Blue Origin conducted an Earth-based deployment test of the tower.
September 25, 2026: An animation of the hardware was released.
2032: The target date for an operational moon base.
The Tech Race
The Power Tower represents an evolution of the Lunar Array Mast and Power System (LAMPS) project previously tested in 2024. This development follows a clear trajectory toward specialized lunar infrastructure that builds on government-monitored testing benchmarks.
The Power Tower is intended for industrial-scale lunar operations rather than personal use. Industry stakeholders and mission planners will track the hardware's performance as a potential prerequisite for the 2032 lunar base objective.
The takeaway
Reliable power generation remains the primary constraint for sustained presence at the lunar south pole. Observers should monitor future flight hardware integration trials for the Power Tower to see if it meets the 10-kilowatt efficiency requirements for long-duration surface missions.
Further reading
For more on the development of infrastructure for off-world exploration, read our coverage on Space.
Live Poll
Should private space companies take the lead in developing moon base infrastructure?
