To help provide this power, NASA is supporting development of vertical solar arrays that can autonomously deploy up to 32 feet high and retract for relocation if
READ MOREThe power would be generated by Vertical Solar Array Technology (VSAT) arrays, solar arrays that are deployed vertically and are optimized for operations at the lunar poles, where the sun is
READ MOREAstrobotic was awarded a contract from NASA in 2021 to create initial designs for vertical solar array technologies and a follow-on contract in 2022 to further advance VSAT systems.
READ MORE• Photovoltaics and solar arrays have provided reliable power to spacecraft for over 50 years and will enable long duration missions on the lunar surface • Solar cells have been used on the lunar surface in the past but the technology has matured significantly • There is still a lot unknown about the energized environment
READ MORE"The MM Solar Array was first used in our commercial vehicles and we''re excited to apply it to NASA''s Vertical Solar Array Technology (VSAT)," said Alya Elhawary, Lockheed Martin''s VSAT Program Manager.
READ MORENASA has tapped three companies to help develop new solar array technologies for Artemis missions to the surface of the moon by astronauts and robots.
READ MORESolar Array Development –Lunar Surface • Vertical Solar Array Technology (VSAT) project led by STMD''s Game Changing Development program andNASA Langley in collaboration with NASA Glenn • Autonomous deployment systems of 30 ft masts, stable on steep terrain, resistant to abrasive lunar dust and minimized both mass and
READ MOREsustained presence on the lunar surface circa 2028. Existing solar array structures and deployment system technologies are designed for either zero -g or horizontal surface deployment. VSAT will explore vertical array deployment on extension masts of up to 10m in length in order to capture near continuous sun light at the lunar south pole.
READ MOREAffordable, Adaptable, Within Reach. LunaGrid can distribute power to diverse lunar assets by leveraging Astrobotic''s existing technologies. By making use of our landers and rovers as well as our Vertical Solar Array Technology (VSAT), the service is more immediately deployable, scalable, and more economical than long-lead solutions like nuclear power.
READ MORE• "Smart Array" technology to increase array performance and minimize array size • Uneven terrain drives further concerns related to stability • Desire for stability devolves
READ MOREAbstract. NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) is developing and constructing a Government Reference Design (GRD) version of the Vertical Solar Array Technology (VSAT) Demonstrator for lunar surface applications. This paper provides an overview of the conceptual design effort and discusses the planned demonstrations of its associated
READ MOREBy placing the solar arrays on tall masts, these designs allow for uninterrupted light and therefore produce more power. The contracts are part of the agency''s VSAT project, which aims to support NASA''s long-term, lunar surface operations. In 2021, NASA selected five companies to create initial designs for vertical solar array
READ MOREThe downselected entities will receive $19.4 million in total funds to build prototypes of the Vertical Solar Array Technology and conduct environmental tests under a project aimed at fielding a
READ MORETheVertical Solar Array Technology (VSAT) project is focused on the development of solar array technologies necessary for sustained presence on the lunar surface circa 2028.
READ MORE• Maxar''s SolarHub is an autonomously deployable and relocatable 10 kW lunar surface solar array system • SolarHub draws upon: • Maxar''s high-heritage, high-reliability components derived from the commercial communications satellite industry • Maxar''s dust-tolerant robotic mechanisms working 15+ years on Mars, and flying to the
READ MOREThe Vertical Solar Array Technology (VSAT) project is focused on the development of solar array technologies necessary for sustained presence on the lunar surface circa
READ MORETheVertical Solar Array Technology (VSAT) project is focused on the development of solar array technologies necessary for sustained presence on the lunar surface circa 2028. VSAT will explore vertical array deployment on masts of up to 10m in length in order to capture continuous sun light at the lunar south pole.
READ MOREHoneybee Robotics in partnership with mPower Technology have developed the Lunar Array, Mast, and Power System (LAMPS), a groundbreaking vertical solar array system for power provision at the Lunar Poles. The system makes use of high strength-to-weight ratio deployable technology, dust tolerant mechanisms and electrical
READ MOREPhotovoltaic Arrays: Vertical Solar Array Technology (VSAT) Project (NASA contract to industry) Nuclear Fission: Fission Surface Power (FSP) Project (NASA/DoE contract to industry) Grid-scale Energy Storage Regenerative Fuel Cell: Regenerative Fuel Cell (RFC) Project (NASA in-house) Potential Lunar Surface Demo • 10 kW e module • 120 VDC output
READ MORESolar Array Development –Lunar Surface • Vertical Solar Array Technology (VSAT) project led by STMD''s Game Changing Development program andNASA Langley in collaboration with NASA Glenn • Autonomous deployment 10kW class systems of 10 meter (at the base of the array) masts, stable on steep terrain, resistant
READ MORENASA has selected three companies to further advance work on deployable solar array systems that will help power the agency''s human and robotic
READ MOREScope Title: Lunar Surface 50-kW-Class Solar Array Structures. Scope Description: NASA intends to land near the lunar South Pole (at S latitudes ranging from 85° to 90°) by 2024 in Phase 1 of the Artemis Program, and then to establish a sustainable long-term presence by 2028 in Phase 2. At exactly the lunar South Pole (90 S), the Sun
READ MORESeptember 11, 2020. Filed under Moon, NASA HQ, US. Lunar VSAT Appendix seeks proposals for the design and prototype fabrication of autonomously deployable and relocatable lunar surface solar
READ MORELunar Vertical Solar Array Technology (VSAT) Local power will be a critical component for a sustained presence on the lunar surface. An autonomous system capable of
READ MORENASA has selected three companies to further advance work on deployable solar array systems that will help power the agency''s human and robotic exploration of the Moon under Artemis. Through Artemis missions, NASA will return humans to the Moon and establish a long-term presence near the lunar south pole. A reliable, sustainable power source is []
READ MOREVertical solar arrays can reach sunlight from the moon''s South Pole. Once the 12-month $700,000 base contracts are finished, the companies will give NASA their system designs, analysis, and data
READ MOREThe system will also deploy and retract vertically on the lunar surface. To help provide power for the various activities on the lunar surface as part of the Artemis program and beyond, NASA requires vertical solar arrays that can autonomously deploy at least 32 feet high and retract for relocation if necessary.
READ MORENASA has selected five commercial teams to develop designs for vertically deployable solar array systems for the lunar surface as part of the Vertical Solar Array Technology (VSAT) project within NASA''s Game Changing Development program. These systems may one day be used as charging stations to recharge rovers, battery packs,
READ MOREThe critical technology gap filled by this subtopic is a lightweight, vertically deployed, retractable 50-kW-class (40- to 60-kW) solar array for surface electrical power near the lunar South Pole for diverse needs including ISRU, lunar bases, dedicated power landers, and rovers. Relevance / Science Traceability:
READ MORENASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) is developing and constructing a Government Reference Design (GRD) version of the Vertical Solar Array Technology (VSAT) Demonstrator for lunar surface applications. This paper provides an overview of the conceptual design effort and discusses the planned demonstrations of its associated
READ MOREIn 2021, Lockheed Martin was one of five companies selected to design a solar array concept that can autonomously deploy vertically and retract for relocation on the Moon. In August 2022, Lockheed Martin was one of
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