BLUE-PLUME - Blue Laser Planetary and Lunar Management of Electrical Power

NASAs Moon to Mars Objectives underscore the need for a novel lunar Martian power grid, essential for continuous human, robotic operations, and scalable to industrial power levels. Traditional electrical grid designs useheavy copper or aluminum wires and are neither economically nor logistically practical. The ability to power moving rovers or short-term stations enhances exploration scenarios, crucial for diverse tasks across missions. The technology also enables a centralized approach, eliminating the need for complex cable networks associated with traditional grids. The Phase I project showcased the feasibility of NUBURUs blue laser power beaming solution. The technology was advanced to TRL level 4 with a laboratory prototype. Phase II builds on this success, focusing on high-power receiver development and extending the range of the blue laser transmitter. This approach is a breakthrough in laser power beaming, offering an efficient, adaptable, and cost-effective solution. Phase II will advance the technology in three key areas: 1) Validation of thin-film solar cell technology at high power densities, 2) Demonstration of multi-kilometer long-range power beaming, and 3) Scaling up the blue single-mode laser source. NUBURU will demonstrate a high-power receiver at 200-500W at 1-3 km range and a long-range laser source at 5-50W capable of 10+ km range, collectively elevating the TRL level to 5. Blue laser power beaming is a transformative innovation for lunar and planetary power distribution, offering distinct advantages over competitors reliant on inferior infrared (IR) or green laser technologies. Blue lasers present low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) design, clear visibility aiding navigation, and efficient direct diode technology. The blue wavelength allows us of advanced direct bandgap, thin filmsolar cells, ensuring higher conversion efficiency compared to IR. The visible blue laser additionally provides navigational benefits to remote sites. NASA has outline the urgent need for a sustainable and scalable lunar and Martian power grid in the Moon to Mars Objectives to support continuous human and robotic operations. Traditional methods involving heavy copper or aluminum wires are economically prohibitive, with the cost of transporting materials to the moon or Mars reaching tens of millions per kilometer. Blue laser power beaming is a realistic solution, offering flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Unlike rigid cable grids, lasers enable dynamic power transmission, crucial for mobile assets and non-stationary equipment in scientific exploration. Laser power beaming also facilitates centralized power distribution, eliminating the need for intricate cable networks and enhancing adaptability. The BLUE-PLUME system, employs efficient direct diode technology, utilizes a blue laser for optimal conversion of electrical power to optical light, and ensures an adaptable and scalable power solution for lunar and Martian missions. OBJ 1: Multi-kilometer Transmitter Telescope Design & Laser Fabrication Final design review with released mechanical & optical design documents as well as alignment procedures. Delivery of BL-series lasers with inspection reports. Stage gate 1 completion documentation. OBJ 2: High-power Receiver Design & Solar Cell Growth Final design review with released mechanical & optical design documents as well as alignment procedures. Delivery of custom solar cells with a full inspection report. Stage gate 2A completion documentation. OBJ 3: Extremely Long-Range Single Mode Laser Design Final design review with optical design documents as well as released alignment & test procedures. Stage gate 2B completion documentation. OBJ 4: High Concentration Solar Cell Characterization Test report/ meeting with TPOC covering the characterization tests conducted & results acquired. OBJ 5: High-power Multi-kilometer Power Transmission Test report/ meeting with TPOC covering the power beaming tests conducted & results acquired. Stage gate 3A completion documentation. OBJ 6: Single Mode Laser Demonstration Test report/ meeting with TPOC covering the results & design of the single mode blue laser. Stage gate 3B completion documentation. OBJ 7: System Study & Final Report Final report detailing all work conducted during the project and design roadmap for future missions. Stage gate 4 completion documentation.

This technology is directly aligned with the mission goal of NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the moon on a permanent basis. This lunar and future Martian project will require dynamic high-power transmission to remote areas. Blue laser remote power beaming is an ideal solution for this key mission need. The BLUE-PLUME system will allow for deployment of an adaptable and scalable power grid on both the moon and mars. Lunar power beaming solutions are needed beyond NASA, including DARPA's LunA-10 program which seeks to develop a lunar electrical grid in < 10 years. In addition, laser power beaming has promise for terrestrial applications, including remote power solutions, disaster relief, and DoD contested logistics. Its adaptability and wireless transmission offer innovative possibilities for many industries. 

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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