Ultra-Conductive Copper Wires for LUNAR HVPT

This project will design, manufacture, and characterize ultra-conducting copper nanocomposite wires for high voltage applications. Atomistic simulations and machine learning will provide optimal conductor designs. The theoretically designed structures will be fabricated, processed into a wire form, and characterized under lunar-relevant environment for high voltage power transmission (HVPT). The higher electrical conductivity of the proposed materials, compared with copper, translates directly to a lower HVPT cable weight or decreased electricity waste, significantly reducing resistive losses or weight. Therefore, developing ultra-conductors is of utmost importance for all NASA missions where weight and energy savings are at a premium, specifically for a sustained human presence on the moon. In addition to an enhanced conductivity per weight, the proposed copper nanocomposites will be more radiation-resistant, and their performance and integrity less affected by the extreme lunar temperature fluctuations.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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.

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