Mars and Lunar Power Transfer Technology Development

Subtopic Problem Statement/Description: NASA seeks innovative solutions to enable reliable and efficient power transfer systems for sustained lunar and Mars missions. The unique environmental and operational challenges demand the development of advanced technologies that minimize mass, maximize efficiency, and ensure durability under extreme conditions. The challenge is to create scalable, lightweight, and resilient power transmission systems that can operate reliably while supporting mission-critical infrastructure. Addressing these requirements will advance the capability to establish long-duration human and robotic presence on the Moon and Mars. Multiple technology approaches can address this problem, and the examples below represent possible but not the only paths forward. The scope of this problem includes: Low-mass, highly conductive transmission cables capable of operating across the extreme temperature ranges of the lunar south pole (-230 C to -100 C). These cables must support small-gauge, long-distance transmission in the 1 to 10 kW range, incorporate insulation materials with high dielectric breakdown strength to enable up to 1,500 Vdc or 3,000 Vac 3-phase operation at 1,000 Hz, and integrate low-loss, lightweight EMI shielding. Robust electrical connectors engineered to withstand lunar dust exposure, extreme thermal cycling, and mechanical handling by both astronauts in protective gloves and robotic systems. These connectors must reliably support primary transmission lines carrying up to 50 kW at either 1,000 Vdc or 3.0 kVac 3-phase (line-to-line) at 1,000 Hz. Optical power beaming systems achieving end-to-end efficiencies greater than 40% over distances exceeding 1 km, delivering greater than 500 W. High-efficiency transmitters, receivers, and converters, with potential integration of communications and navigation functions into power beaming architectures are of high interest. Millimeter-wave (mmWave) power beaming technologies for high-power wireless transmission, meeting performance targets of >95% beam efficiency, >65% source efficiency, and >70% rectifier efficiency.