NASA is hiring commercial companies to develop directly usable solar array systems that will be able to rise from the lunar surface, according to a new press release from the agency.
The moon has special challenges for solar arrays
NASA’s Artemis program aims to put people back on the moon, but they also have long-term plans to establish a stable presence at the lunar South Pole. But to stay there, astronauts will need a reliable form of sustainable energy to support lunar habitats, rovers, and complex construction systems connected to both crew and robotic missions.
The group selected five companies to combine resources in designing solar supply technologies that are capable of being used independently to 32 ft (9.7 m) heights – and then withdraw if or when that is necessary.
“We are very pleased with the suggestions received and even more interesting to see the designs that are the result of the foundation effort. Reliable power sources on the moon are essential for almost anything we do on it. surface, “said Maturation Technology Director Niki Werkheiser of NASA ‘s Space Technology Mission Steering Group (STMD). “By working with five different companies to design these prototype systems, we are effectively reducing the risk of developing such state-of-the-art technologies. “
The five companies selected by NASA include Lockheed Martin, ATK Space Systems (Northrup Grumman), Honeybee Robotics, Loral Space Systems (Maxar Technologies), and Astrobotic Technology.
The solar supply designs also need to maintain stability on steep ground, but also show strength against lunar dust, as well as bring both packaging size and mass down – so it’s less difficult. to the surface of the moon.
Solar arrays can direct sunlight from the South Pole of the moon
Once the $ 700,000 base contracts are $ 700,000 ready, the companies provide them with their system designs, analysis and data. Later, NASA will (re-) select up to two companies for additional funding, contributing a further $ 7.5 million to the recipients to build prototypes and conduct environmental tests.
If all goes well, we would see a “win-win” system deployed on the lunar surface in the late 2020s.
Modern solar array structures and space use structures are made for employment in microgravity, or on a flat surface. This new vertical position will keep the field in position to receive sunlight – because, at the South Pole of the moon, the sun is not very high in the lunar sky. And the abundance of rocky formations in hills and slopes can cast a dark shadow over the surface – blocking light from horizontally-aimed solar arrays. There are tall structures around this problem.
“These solar power designs could help enable continuous power for Artemis lunar habitats and operations, even in areas shaded by rocky features,” said Chuck Taylor, chief executive of direct solar array development at the Research Center. Langley at NASA in Hampton, Virginia.
Taylor said the pursuit and design of more efficient solar arrays will drive potential new applications on Earth. For example, business owners and private homeowners may increase the efficiency of roof solar arrays that sometimes fall in the shade behind trees and tall buildings.
As NASA’s Artemis project moves forward, the architecture expands to include more participants than just SpaceX. With former partners like Lockheed Martin and Northrup Grumman who could develop vital solar power equipment made specifically for use on the moon, space trading is just beginning.