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Introduction
As NASA continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, the need for reliable and sustainable power sources on the lunar surface is becoming increasingly crucial. To address this challenge, Astrobotic has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract by NASA to develop an Extra Large Vertical Solar Array Technology (VSAT-XL) for the Moon. This revolutionary technology has the potential to meet the growing energy demands of lunar missions and pave the way for permanent human settlements on the Moon.
Astrobotic Wins NASA Contract for Large Lunar Solar Array Development
Astrobotic has been chosen by NASA for a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award worth about $150k to create an Extra Large Vertical Solar Array Technology (VSAT-XL) for the Moon.
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Aug 08, 2024
Astrobotic has been building on the 10kW lunar VSAT already being developed under a current NASA contract, and the VSAT-XL is a deployable, relocatable, self-leveling, sun-tracking solar-powered system that aims to boost power output from 10 kW to 50 kW.
“As the pace and scale of lunar exploration grows over the next decade, generating, storing, and transmitting power to lunar surface assets will be a critical infrastructure need for permanent lunar settlements,” said Lauren Whitehouse, Lead Structures Engineer at Astrobotic, “Our team is excited to incorporate multiple matured technologies into the development of a first-of-its-kind VSAT unit at this massive scale.”
The VSAT-XL system will integrate engineering solutions developed by Astrobotic, including those for its lunar landers and rovers, and the advanced 10 kW VSAT system. It will also utilize Roll Out Solar Arrays (ROSA) from Redwire Space. This system is ideal for placement near polar craters, where its tall vertical arrays can capture solar energy at shallow sun elevations.
“There is no existing lunar surface power generation and transmission solution that can satisfy the next generation of power needs at the 50 kW scale and above,” said Whitehouse, “We are developing both static and mobile variants, which means VSAT-XL will be designed to integrate with both landers and rovers, and will be grounded in Astrobotic and Redwire’s mature power systems.”
VSAT-XL is a component of the LunaGrid system, Astrobotic’s power generation and distribution service for sustained human and robotic operations at the Moon’s south pole. LunaGrid aims to provide power to support crewed and robotic operations for extended periods, including Commercial Lunar Payload Service (CLPS) deliveries, larger decadal science missions, commercial payloads, and the Artemis campaign, which will require substantial lunar surface power.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Astrobotic’s VSAT-XL technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we generate and distribute power on the lunar surface. With its deployable, relocatable, and self-leveling design, it can meet the growing energy demands of lunar missions and pave the way for permanent human settlements on the Moon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the purpose of the VSAT-XL technology?
The VSAT-XL technology is designed to provide a reliable and sustainable power source for lunar missions, meeting the growing energy demands of lunar surface operations.
Q2: How does the VSAT-XL technology work?
The VSAT-XL technology is a deployable, relocatable, self-leveling, sun-tracking solar-powered system that aims to boost power output from 10 kW to 50 kW.
Q3: What is the significance of the VSAT-XL technology in the context of lunar exploration?
The VSAT-XL technology has the potential to meet the growing energy demands of lunar missions and pave the way for permanent human settlements on the Moon.
Q4: What is the timeline for the development and deployment of the VSAT-XL technology?
The development and deployment of the VSAT-XL technology are expected to take place over the next decade, with the goal of providing a reliable and sustainable power source for lunar missions.
Q5: What is the potential impact of the VSAT-XL technology on the lunar surface?
The VSAT-XL technology has the potential to significantly impact the lunar surface by providing a reliable and sustainable power source, enabling the deployment of new lunar missions and paving the way for permanent human settlements on the Moon.
Related Links
Astrobotic
Mars News and Information at MarsDaily.com
Lunar Dreams and more
