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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Several companies and NASA projects have developed robotic latching connector mechanisms for the lunar surface to pass data, power, and withstand mechanical loading. This project aims to reduce the development cost by integrating requirements of all rover-scale connectors into a single universal standard, with a proof-of-concept prototype serving as the final deliverable. The new connector will be autonomous, dust tolerant, genderless, and will support wired high-power transmission, wireless power transmission, wired and wireless data transfer, and loads sufficient for anticipated excavation activities.
This project seeks to eliminate the redundant cost of developing several similar connectors in parallel for various lunar surface operations by integrating the key functional requirements of each into a single, universal design capable of meeting the requirements of the nth percentile use case driven by a cost-benefit analysis of all interfacing components expected to deploy on the lunar surface.
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This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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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