Powering the Moon: NASA Tests Solar Technology Built to Withstand Lunar Extremes
Imagine powering a basecamp on the moon for over a decade, providing consistent energy to support exploration and research. This is the goal driving NASA’s latest endeavor – testing innovative photovoltaics that can withstand the harsh lunar environment.
NASA chose three companies – Honeybee Robotics, Blue Origin, and Astrobotic Technology – to construct solar panel prototypes capable of enduring NASA’s Moon-specific requirements. Behind these sleek panels lies a critical requirement: the ability not only to survive but to thrive in these extreme lunar conditions. This involved rigorous testing in one of NASA’s marvels of engineering – the Space Environment Simulation Laboratory (SESL) located at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
"Our team envisioned that the Moon could become a central hub for satellite and hardware production, utilizing energy generated on the Moon’s surface for launch processes," explains Jim Burges, Principal Systems Engineer for the VSAT project. He adds that this vision, "could potentially revolutionize lunar exploration and the space industry.”
A Laboratory Designed for Extreme Conditions
The SESL exists to replicate the force of the universe. This isn’t just about adjusting temperatures a few degrees here and there. This facility can mimic the frigid lunar night, dropping temperatures as low as -20 Kelvin
(-455° Fahrenheit)
Yikes!
No average air conditioner can make it this chilly. Chamber A, accompanied by Building 32, poses a demanding "thermal-vacuum.” This means simulating not just the scorching sunlight but also those deep-
How does the efficiency of the solar panels being developed for the Moon compare to traditional solar panel technology?
**Interviewer:** Joining us today is Jim Burges, Principal Systems Engineer for NASA’s VSAT project. Jim, thanks for being here.
**Jim Burges:** My pleasure. It’s great to be here.
**Interviewer:** NASA has ambitious plans to establish a long-term presence on the Moon. You’re working on a project to make that possible, by developing solar power technology that can withstand the extreme conditions on the lunar surface. What are some of the key challenges you’re facing in this endeavor?
**Jim Burges:** The lunar environment is incredibly demanding. We’re talking about extreme temperature swings, radiation, micrometeoroids – all of which can degrade traditional solar panels quickly. Our challenge is to design panels that are not only robust enough to survive these conditions but also efficient enough to provide reliable power for extended periods.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the extreme temperature swings. I understand the SESL,
NASA’s Space Environment Simulation Laboratory, plays a crucial role in testing these panels. Can you tell us more about what makes this facility so unique?
**Jim Burges:** The SESL is truly remarkable. It allows us to recreate the harsh lunar environment right here on Earth. We can simulate the frigid lunar night, dropping temperatures to -20 Kelvin, and then ramp them up to the intense heat of lunar day. This kind of testing is essential to ensure our panels can handle the extremes they’ll face on the Moon.
**Interviewer:** There’s a lot of excitement around the potential of using the Moon as a platform for further space exploration. How does your work on solar power fit into this larger vision?
**Jim Burges:** We envision the Moon becoming a central hub for both exploration and industry. Imagine using solar power generated on the Moon to power manufacturing facilities for satellites or even spacecraft components. This could dramatically reduce the cost of space exploration and open up new possibilities for venturing further into our solar system. We believe this technology could be truly revolutionary.
**Interviewer:** That’s a fascinating vision. Jim, thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today. We wish you and the VSAT team the best of luck in your groundbreaking work.
**Jim Burges:** Thank you for having me.
