Lightweight and Low Stow Volume Solar Concentrator for Lunar Based In-Situ Resource Utilization

The objective of the proposed Phase II effort is to further develop a lightweight and low stow volume solar concentrator for use in lunar in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) applications, specifically for oxygen extraction from lunar regolith. In the Phase I effort, a design of a full scale solar concentrator was created, and analysis showed the solar concentrator meeting NASA performance requirements. Also small scale prototypes were fabricated and deployment test successfully demonstrated the stowage and deployment concept. In the Phase II effort, we will optimize the design of the solar concentrator as well develop the overall ISRU system, fabricate a demonstration-level prototype, characterize the solar concentration performance, and perform environmental test to understand how performance is affected.

The development of a lunar based solar concentrator directly fulfills needs of the NASA plans described in the solicitation topic and will contribute to ISRU technology which is critical for the success of the Artemis program. It has been demonstrated by many scientific groups that water can be harvested from regolith which can be used to sustain life on the lunar surface as well as provide fuel for deep space travel. This technology can also be used concentrate light on solar arrays to generate energy or power.

Outside of NASA applications, other government missions that can utilize this technology such as Earth-based concentrated solar power industry, other applications that support “The Green Initiative”, and deployable antennas for military and commercial applications.

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.