SLABs (Solar Light Absorbing Bricks derived from regolith composites)

The lunar surface ranges from -250C to 121C. Adequate thermal regulation during the lunar night is necessary for projects to operate. Thermal Wadis are highly conductive regolith-based thermal masses that are capable of redistributing heat to surrounding systems. By leveraging the composite 3D printing technology achieved by ACTSE (Advanced Compounding Twin Screw Extruder), a thermal wadi pad composite will be extruded, and demonstrate a material that requires low energy to construct and utilize existing additive construction and TVAC capabilities . Its thermal storage capabilities will be tested during a 14-day period (a lunar night).

A method to develop structures with built in thermal control from lunar regolith with minimal terrestrial material. Modular versions of SLAB technology could be placed by electronic components and provide heat for robotic exploration systems during their mission. This technology would not just be limited to solar for heat input but could also feed on excess heat from other systems, such as batteries, to store and redistribute heat during the lunar night. In essence, this project would result in a natural heat sink, heat source, and structural component all in one material. This would be ideal for future moon base missions, as it would enable equipment with the ability to survive in long-term cryogenic conditions.

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.