Broadcast Energy Transmission (BET-STUDY)

Assess the status of the technologies and identification of the toughest technology challenges. Specifically conduct a TRL assessment of the key power transmission technologies and major systems and subsystems. Evaluate the costs associated with the power broadcasting approach in comparison to other surface-based power solutions such as cabling. Document a set of Design Reference Missions (DRMs) for both a demonstration and operational system. This task includes bringing together mission concepts from Moon to Mars architecture teams, STMD, SMD, and technical SMEs at the centers. DRMs will includes cases for Orbit to Surface and Surface to Surface operations.  Develop a system-level model that can be used to conduct trade studies. There would be two models created, one for a nearer term demonstration system and one for a larger scale operational system. This will utilize the concept of the ROSETTA model, to develop meta-models of these concepts that could be useful in future technologies studies. A demonstration of the meta-models in a technology process using the technologies identified in the earlier technology assessment will be performed. Additionally, the systems engineering model shall be updated to create a free and open source version using Python or similar with the intention of adding new capability and ease of portability.  This work is building upon the original ROSETTA model that was packaged as a macro-enabled Excel file with user settable parameters. The goal of this package is to disseminate to the community at large after approvals. The GRC Compass team will perform a system design calling upon the technology assessments, and advancement degree of difficult assessment, as well as the systems engineering modeling to develop a technology demonstration reference design mission guided by MSFC and JPL.

Benefits include a better understanding of the TRL levels and technology needed for various forms of wireless power transmission. This understanding allows for the Space Technology Mission Directorate to better allocate funding opportunities and priorities for future work in this area, enabling more impactful, strategically aligned investments. The advancement degree of difficulty allows for deeper understanding of the challenges involved in technology maturation, as well helps develop knowledge of private sector firms that are working successfully in this area. This effort will also benefit by investigating interest and collaboration opportunities from other government agencies (e.g., Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, U.S. Space Force, Office of Operational Energy - OE, NRL, AFRL), industry (e.g., Lockheed Martin, Volta Space Technologies, PowerLight, Blue Origin, Aetherflux, Solaren, Virtus Solis), academia, and international (e.g., ESA, UKSA, JAXA, CSA, etc.). This would include specific engagement with DARPA and DoD Operational Energy-Innovation (OE-I) to understand joint interest areas and catalyze coordinated multi-agency demonstration activities.

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.