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 NASA’s Space Environment Simulation Laboratory (SESL) help engineers test the durability and functionality of VSAT solar panels in a space-like environment?
**News Anchor:** Welcome back to Space Today! We’re joined by Jim Burges, Principal Systems Engineer for NASA’s Lunar Vertical Solar Array Technology, or VSAT project. Jim, thanks for being with us today.
**Jim Burges:** Thanks for having me.
**News Anchor:** So, Jim, tell us about the ambitious goal of powering a moon base for over a decade. What challenges does this present in terms of solar technology?
**Jim Burges:** Well, the moon presents an extremely harsh environment for solar technology. We’re talking about temperature swings from scorching heat during the lunar day to frigid cold during the lunar night. Plus, there’s the constant bombardment of radiation and micrometeoroids. Our solar panels need to be incredibly tough and durable to withstand these conditions.
**News Anchor:** That’s right. You’ve been putting these prototypes through their paces at NASA’s Space Environment Simulation Laboratory, or SESL. What’s it like to test technology in a space-like environment here on Earth?
**Jim Burges:** SESL is an incredible facility. They can recreate the extreme temperatures and vacuum of space, which is vital for making sure our technology will function properly on the moon. It allows us to simulate conditions that are impossible to replicate in normal lab settings.
**News Anchor:** Impressive! And the ultimate vision is to establish the Moon as a hub for satellite and hardware production, right?
**Jim Burges:** Exactly. Imagine utilizing energy generated on the moon’s surface to power launches and manufacturing facilities. It could revolutionize lunar exploration and potentially pave the way for even more ambitious space endeavors.
**News Anchor:** Jim, thanks for giving us a glimpse into this exciting project. I’m sure our viewers are excited to see where this technology takes us.
**Jim Burges:** My pleasure. It’s a truly inspiring time to be working in space exploration.
**News Anchor:** Indeed it is. We’ll be following the VSAT project closely. Stay tuned, folks, as we continue to explore the frontiers of space.
