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Abel, Anthony J., Berliner, Aaron J., Mirkovic, Mia, Collins, William D. 
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4463-9848, Arkin, Adam P. and Clark, Douglas S.
(2022)
Photovoltaics-Driven Power Production Can Support Human Exploration on Mars.
Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences, 9.
ISSN 2296-987X
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Abstract
A central question surrounding possible human exploration of Mars is whether crewed missions can be supported by available technologies using in situ resources. Here, we show that photovoltaics-based power systems would be adequate and practical to sustain a crewed outpost for an extended period over a large fraction of the planet’s surface. Climate data were integrated into a radiative transfer model to predict spectrally-resolved solar flux across the Martian surface. This informed detailed balance calculations for solar cell devices that identified optimal bandgap combinations for maximizing production capacity over a Martian year. We then quantified power systems, manufacturing, and agricultural demands for a six-person mission, which revealed that photovoltaics-based power generation would require (Formula presented.) 10 t of carry-along mass, outperforming alternatives over ∼50% of Mars’ surface.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | Data availability statement: The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation. |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | climate model,human exploration mission,mars,photovoltaics,radiative transfer,technoeconomic analysis,astronomy and astrophysics,sdg 13 - climate action ,/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3100/3103 |
| Faculty \ School: | Faculty of Science > School of Environmental Sciences |
| Related URLs: | |
| Depositing User: | LivePure Connector |
| Date Deposited: | 14 Jul 2026 10:06 |
| Last Modified: | 19 Jul 2026 05:37 |
| URI: | https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/103839 |
| DOI: | 10.3389/fspas.2022.868519 |
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