This paper proposes a modular, high-density architecture for scaling superconducting quantum processors to civilizational scales (120 billion physical qubits) by leveraging the extreme cryogenic environments of lunar Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs). Moving beyond traditional terrestrial constraints, the "Shackleton Centennial Ring" utilizes the ~26 K thermal sink of Hermite Crater to achieve an 87–95% reduction in cooling power requirements. Key Innovations: Vanguard Pod Architecture: 6-meter cylindrical modules capable of housing 1.2 billion qubits each, designed for "drop and bury" deployment via Starship HLS variants. The Pi-1000 Protocol: A validation framework for achieving a vibrationally deterministic, "Quantum-Quiet" substrate through 6-axis active isolation and 3 meters of regolith shielding. Starship-Hopping Logistics: A simplified infrastructure model replacing fixed maglev systems with ballistic sub-orbital hopping for rapid network expansion. Economic Viability: A comprehensive ROI analysis projecting a 4:1 to 41:1 return through technology transfers in fusion energy, medical imaging, and astronomical data markets.
Terry Schermerhorn (Mon,) studied this question.
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