Enabling Exploration of Permanently Shadowed Lunar Craters

Goal: To assess the feasibility of using a single RF channel for both power delivery and communications over a maximum distance of 12km (Shackleton Crater radius). Capability Need/Knowledge Gap: Solar powered equipment is not operable in permanently shadowed craters (PSCs) due to the lack of available solar radiation, and yet PSCs contain vast amounts of water ice, making them prime candidates for ISRU. If NASA is to extract these resources, STMD must develop technology to enable self-sustained robotic mining within PSCs. This project directly addresses this urgent need. Utilizing the same RF channel energy for communications and power delivery results in three primary benefits: Over the air RF power to extend the operational life of robotic vehicles, where traditional battery recharging via solar panels is not possible; Minimization of size, weight and power (SWaP) of the rover as the need for onboard communication amplifiers is removed and battery pack requirements are reduced; The ground station assumes the role of a communication relay between rover, lunar outpost and orbiting communication satellites enabling continuous remote monitoring and control of the exploration and mining process. Key Technical Challenges: Addressing the following two requirements: large diameter focusing reflectors, and RF radiation above 75 GHz. Approach/Research Plan: (1) Transmit data file over testbed with <10% error and maintain rectified power to a peak-to-peak variation of <15%; (2) Establish required power for mission life and define most efficient RF architecture to deliver required power; (3) Achieve at 10% improvement to power delivered per unit cost per unit mass of RF antenna assembly; and, (4) Provide RF system parameter requirements and cost estimates that maximize use of currently available COTS hardware. A low-power testbed will be used to wirelessly transmit a single W-Band (75GHz) RF channel between two antennas. The received RF energy will be split into independent electrical paths for communications and power– success would be defined as: sending a randomized binary file between the transmitter and receiver, with less than <10% error and rectifying the remaining power with a peak-to-peak variation of < 15%. A systems analysis study will be conducted to determine what RF architecture should be used in order to maximize both power delivered and communication link reliability. Next Step: Extend the testbed to a high-power version mirroring the architecture and component requirements identified.

While RF is routinely used for communications, and RF power-beaming has been demonstrated (notably at JPL and Glenn, among others), the combination of the technologies within the lunar environment is novel. Emerging terrestrial applications such as self-driving vehicles and 5G telecommunications have generated rapid growth in the number of available COTS high frequency power amplifiers and radios.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.