Modular Operations, Resource, & Power Hub (MORPH) (MORPH)

Opterus proposed the Modular Operations, Resource, & Power Hub (MOPRH), a modular 50 kW vertical solar array designed to address the power generation needs of lunar missions. The innovative system consists of interchangeable solar panels, supported by Opterus’ Tubular Truss Additive Manufacturing (TTAM) technology. The system addresses many of the needs outlined in the topic including novel packaging and modularity concepts, novel lightweight components, mechanisms and seals with exceptionally high resistance to lunar dust, optimized use of composite materials, adaptable solar array concepts for multiple lunar surface use cases, and concepts of operation for fully autonomous deployment, retraction, assembly, operation and repair. Although a full system architecture will be conceived, the primary innovation that will be explored in the proposed Phase I effort is the lightweight panel design with embedded electronics and dust tolerant connection method from the panel to the support structure. The intended use of funding will be to support the design, development, and testing of lightweight solar panel prototypes as well as a full system architecture design and concept of operations for assembly, retraction, and repair of the array and support structure. The focus will be on creating a scalable and reconfigurable power generation system for lunar infrastructure with applications extending to Mars missions. MOPRH targets NASA’s lunar and Mars exploration programs, aligning with the need for robust, high-power solar arrays for long-duration missions. This technology will also serve commercial space missions targeting the lunar and Martian surface where there are significant market growth opportunities for deployable structures and mechanisms.

As lunar base infrastructure develops near the lunar south pole during the Artemis missions, the demand for reliable power will increase significantly. Power will be essential to support habitats, laboratories, rovers, fuel cells, as well as construction, mining, and material processing equipment. As power needs expand, scalable, reconfigurable, and reusable solar array systems will be vital. Opterus’ Modular Operations, Resource, & Power Hub (MORPH) addresses this need with a modular design that allows for easy removal and reuse of panels to meet diverse power requirements. Additionally, MORPH’s support structure features electrical and mechanical connection points along the tower’s length and at its tip, providing space for various instruments and utility equipment, such as communication equipment, lighting for dark areas, and scientific research instruments. These capabilities directly align with the objectives of the Artemis missions and the Moon to Mars initiative. Several prominent commercial companies, including Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Blue Origin, are actively developing technologies to support lunar infrastructure. In addition, emerging companies like Moon Express are focusing on lunar mining operations. For these efforts to succeed, a reliable and scalable power source is essential, and MORPH provides a solution to meet this need. These operations will also require various equipment for communications and other utilities, all of which are supported by MORPH's innovative support structure. Similar to renting space on a terrestrial cellular tower, the support truss will act as a hub, providing attachment points for diverse lunar infrastructure utilities.

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.