← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 6 (started at 4, targeting 6)
The Advanced Modular Power and Energy System Tipping Point (AMPES-TP) Project will collaborate with NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston to develop a scalable, modular and flexible power and energy product that utilizes new manufacturing methods to reduce cost and improve reliability. The technology could be used for lunar rovers, surface equipment and habitats.
The Advanced Modular Power and Energy System (AMPES) product is comprised of two modules: the Payload Data Package (PDP); and the AMPES assembly. The PDP incorporates Infinity's APWR fuel cell stack section together with an endplate mounted Balance of Plant (BoP) section and its control system. All three sections are designed to be plug-and-play to allow each to be manufactured and inventoried as a separate item designed for easy field replacement, incorporating RFID tags to automate logistics.
All the relevant technologies have been advanced for some years, however such efforts have not yet resulted in a cost-reduced complete product systems. The AMPES-TP project has the goal of bridging this product chasm and advancing the AMPES to product status.
AMPES currently scheduled for sub-orbital flight on board of Blue Origin New Shaper in second quarter of FY22
Advances the TRL of Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells from 5 to 7. AMPES can be the primary lunch vehicle and rovers power system, Lunar and Mars primary power system during the night. The project’s focus has been to development a complete Advanced Modular Power and Energy System (AMPES) designed to test the technology in flight to advance readiness for future manned flight and lunar surface applications. The focus of this effort has included mass and volume reductions, increasing system efficiency, improvement of stack sealing technology to be compatible with space vacuum, and development of a flight compatible balance of plant including fluid-mechanical components, controls, reactant storage and thermal control. The goal was to then demonstrate operation of this complete system in micro-gravity via a Blue Origin New Shepard suborbital test flight.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.