Regolith Immune Linear Actuator Family: Phase II

Apech Labs is offering NASA a Regolith Immune Linear Actuator Family. The solution achieves full immunity to the lunar environment using an all-metallic impermeable flexure to protect moving interfaces, metallic static seals, hard wearing materials, limited or no lubrication and an all-metallic permeable membrane to allow evacuation of internal atmosphere. With no integral elastomerics or other life limited items, the product family will enable long term linear actuation on the Moon, The product family is fully extensible to different strokes and output forces to encompass all sorts of mission needs. Phase I of the program culminated with a preliminary design and functional brassboard hardware testing. Phase II of the program will mature the design to a prototype level and test the system in representative environments. Apech Labs is a 2020 startup with extensive experience in complex aerospace product development and electromechanical actuation. We will bring these capabilities to bear to provide the best possible offering to NASA. RILAF will enable linear actuation on the lunar surface.  Per the Dust Mitigation Gap Assessment Report, several solutions are available for rotary joints but little to no solutions are available for linear actuation.  This gap is unacceptable if the goal is to have a permanent presence on the moon.  Linear actuators are necessary to perform various functions of lunar exploration, include mining/excavation, sliding mechanisms like doors/airlocks, and cargo conveyance. RILAF is fully immune to regolith by virtue of being a completely sealed unit.  Key to enabling linear actuation while maintaining sealing is an all-metallic impermeable flexure (IF). A pressure relief membrane (PRM) allows communication of atmosphere from the actuator internals to the environment without regolith ingress. The rest of the unit is fully sealed.  These features combine to make it virtually impossible for regolith to enter the unit. Additionally, RILAF is elastomer-free to prevent radiation damage.  Novel tribological combinations allow for extended unlubricated operation at cryogenic temperatures. Phase II of the RILAF program will bring the technology from TRL 4 to TRL 7. The main objectives for Phase II are completed prototype designs for two sizes of RILAF: RILAF-S and RILAF-P, as well as the assembly and test of RILAF-S prototype hardware. RILAF-S is a small linear actuator with an approximately 200 lb output force and 6 inch stroke, while RILAF-P is intended for cargo pallet applications with a 750 lb holding force and 33 inch stroke. Flight-like prototype RILAF-S actuators will be built and undergo environmental testing including dusty thermal vacuum testing and vibration/shock testing. These tests will confirm RILAF’s ability to survive the extreme environments it is designed for. Phase II will end with a clear path forward to flight qualify the design. Key deliverables to NASA include a final report describing new work done throughout the program, and a deliverable flight-like RILAF-S prototype.

NASA applications for RILAF include usage in NASA CLPS missions and Artemis missions, where linear actuation technology can enable lunar surface missions including construction (habitats), destruction (excavation), and cargo conveyance (pallet legs, jacks, conveyors). RILAF is a perfect fit for lunar and Martian exploration technology designed as part of NASA’s Break the Ice Challenge. RILAF is also applicable to in-space cryogenic actuation needs including propellant handling and satellite mechanisms. Non-NASA applications for RILAF are highlighted by in-space and terrestrial cryogenic actuation applications, including rocket engine isolation valves, satellite mechanisms, propellant handling, cryogenic liquid production, and medical equipment. RILAF supports commercial planned extraterrestrial exploration equipment and ISAM/ISRU use cases.

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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