50kW Pneumatic Relocatable Solar Array (PRSA)

NASA developed a state-of-the-art scalable conceptual design of a high-performance 60kW/m3 deployable solar array with very low mass, compact stowage, and reliable deployment, called the Compact Telescoping Array (CTA). The CTA consists of a slender telescoping mast that deploys vertically and supports a large area flexible photovoltaic array, or communications / navigation systems. A retractable and relocatable (5-10x) CTA configuration was developed by NASA for use in lunar gravity at the south pole to harvest the sun’s energy and generate power to support activities in and near Permanently Shaded regions (PSRs) where water-ice is present. This program is building upon NASA concepts to establish a 50kW class Pneumatic Relocatable Solar Array (PRSA) system design that leverages simple mechanical systems to create an extremely robust lightweight system. Pneumatic deployment of telescoping masts is commonplace in terrestrial military and commercial applications that operate in austere environments. High modulus carbon-epoxy tubes will be designed and fitted with a bladder to facilitate simple deployment and retraction requiring very little power or complex mechanical systems to operate. The automatically locking mast sections will be depressurized between relocation events and are not reliant on pressure maintenance for structural rigidity. The PRSA mast uses robust cryogenically capable materials and can be deployed from a PSR and can function in cryogenic cold (-213C) and can withstand constant exposure to lunar dust over its >10-year life. Mast scaling will be studied using added features that facilitate the fabrication of extremely tall towers (100+m) or extensions above the PRSA array. The system design will be matured, supported by analysis, and a demonstration mast will be fabricated and tested in preparation for detailed development and transition into operation.

The PRSA will support Artemis and Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) missions to the lunar south pole for science investigations and technology demonstrations on the lunar surface. The PRSA will provide surface electrical power near the lunar South Pole for diverse needs including exploration, equipment testing, In-Situ Resource Utilization, lunar bases, communications systems, dedicated power for landers, and rovers. The mast technology will also be applicable to extremely tall deployable towers that support communications and navigation systems equipment. In addition, the technology is scalable to larger arrays, or down to smaller actuators used for robotic tasks such as assembling large truss towers. It may be possible for the PRSA technology to facilitate the development of extremely large retractable solar arrays for microgravity missions, or equipment reusability for a range of NASA and government microgravity missions that require mobility. The mast technology is similar to that used in earth gravity & wind and therefore will also be applicable to use on Mars or in other planetary exploration activities. NASA is paving the way for greater lunar commercial activities through the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative and other activities that allows NASA and commercial entities to send science investigations and technology demonstrations to the lunar surface. As these activities mature and commercial entities begin to harvest lunar resources such as water, Helium-3, and rare earth metals, all the above-mentioned NASA application points of the new materials will become commercially required because they are power intensive applications. From a terrestrial perspective, it is possible that some military and commercial (public safety, etc.) applications may benefit from the PRSA mast technology when remote performance is critical. In addition, some components of the PRSA may be readily adaptable to terrestrial systems such as the inflation triggered latching systems that can open ConOps without the need for electromechanical systems.

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.