MCO PMAD for FSP Slides V2.pptx

Surface Power Overview Every Moon to Mars asset requires power to operate and survive (remain operational for at least 1 year) Self sufficiency is possible for the Human Lunar Return and early Foundational Exploration (FE) Segments.

For FE Segment and beyond, power from external systems will be required (power augmentation) To ensure power interoperability among all assets / systems, Use of standardized interfaces Developing to common standards / specifications

The Mars Campaign Office (MCO) Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) Portfolio is focused on developing and advancing power management and distribution related technologies that ensure an interoperable lunar (and Martian) surface power system.

Advancing PMAD related technology to enable long-distance surface power transmission Developing and standardizing dust-tolerant connectors and cables Advancing and infusing into industry modular common field-replaceable power electronics Developing advanced energy management techniques to safely manage power distribution and transmission

Universal Modular Interface Converter (UMIC) Overview 10 kW bi-directional converter Transmission:3000 VAC, 3-phase, 1000 Hz Voltage selected for 50 kW over 10 km Source/Load: 120 VDC (could be tailored) UMIC is scalable Scaled down to 2kW for integration with small assets (rovers) Parallelable to achieve higher levels (50 kW or more) Status (In-Work) 2014 demonstrated first laboratory version of the 10 kW UMIC (TRL 4) NASA design can be released to partners and includes a draft interface definition document Established Space Act Agreements with industry partner(s) Funding provided for a Tipping Point Award for a scaled down UMIC demonstration on the lunar surface NASA has filed for a patent

Plans Funding provided in FY26 to improve performance Improve power density by decreasing overall mass Increase efficiency UMIC transfers to PMAD portfolio in FY27 with a focus on advancing technology readiness level towards flight TRL 6 – demonstration in relevant environment https://techport.nasa.gov/projects/116399

High-Voltage Cables, Connectors, and Deployment

NASA trade studies recommend 3000 V, 3-phase AC at 1000 Hz for long-distance power transmission.

Requires high-voltage power cables that can:

Operate at 3000 Volts and 1000 Hz Survive temperature range from -180 degrees Celsius up to 50 degrees Celsius Bendable (flexible) and light enough to be transported to the Moon and deployed on the surface Connected to converters after being in contact with lunar regolith (dust-tolerant)

Status (In-Work) NASA Glenn Research Center has purchased terrestrial 3-phase cable that can operate at 3000 VAC and 1000 Hz.

Support testing of the high-voltage converter Not designed/intended to operate at environment Plans FY27 New Start focused on the design and construction of a 3000 VAC, 1000 Hz, 3-phase cable to survive the environment.

Cable designed for 50 kW Add additional content for dust-tolerant AC connectors (single connection) instead of hard-wired connections.

Additional content for deployment systems and possible demonstration.

Standardized Power Exchange Interface

Bi-directional power exchange interface is required to allow for sharing power between Moon to Mars (M2M) assets Dedicated input / output ports may decrease complexity but increase mass.

A standardized interface for all elements ensures power system operability and simplifies surface logistics Moon to Mars requirement for a single 6kW bi-directional interface with details in the Extravehicular Activity and Humans Surface Mobility (EHP) Power Specification.

Status (In-Work) MCO PMAD portfolio Surface Vehicle Bi-Directional Power Exchange project kicked off that define requirements including:

Electrical design for both element manufacturer and connector manufacturer to design to Guidance to meet bi-directional impedance requirements Develop draft Interface Control Document (ICD) Perform independent interface verification

Plans Perform trade studies to assess the design of the bi-directional power exchange interface Draft Interface Control Definition (ICD) Document Perform interface verification Provide draft ICD to M2M programs and potential dust-tolerant connector manufacturers.

Dust Tolerant Connectors and Cables

Dust-tolerant connectors with a high mate / de-mate cycle are required to support the mating and de-mating of Moon to Mars surface assets.

Allows for assets to receive power during contingency scenarios, periods of extended darkness and allow for multiple assets to use the same port at different times (not simultaneous).

Status (In-Work) Exists prototyped dust-tolerant connectors at lower power levels, less than 1 kW Current Phase 3 Small Business Innovative Research Award focused on 6kW Dust-Tolerant Resonant Connector at 10m.

Mars Campaign Office - Surface Vehicle Bidirectional Power Exchange Interface project drafting ICD for vehicle manufacturers and dust-tolerant connector manufacturers.

Plans Assess existing dust-tolerant connector prototypes and evaluate performance Engage with industry to prototype a dust tolerant connector that meets the draft ICD requirements.

Environmentally test and evaluate the performance of the dust-tolerant connector Characterize the electrical performance of the dust-tolerant connector

Advanced Modular Power Systems

Future surface systems require standardized common field-replaceable (Astronaut and Robotic) power system components Defines the form, fit, function of standardized electronic modules, interfaces, and chassis to provide commonality among surface asset power systems Benefits minimize power system maintenance operations improve power system availability by reducing outage times and restoring power reduce the number of unique spare parts

Status (In-Work) Developed and verified operation of government reference design Draft Modular Electronic Standard for Space Power Systems (MESSPS) Used hardware to verify the 120 VDC Power Quality Standard, International Space Power System Interoperability Standard (ISPSIS).

Plans Design iteration for operation and demonstration in a relevant environment (reach TRL 6) using non-qualified flight parts.

Update and release updated government reference design Update and release MESSPS standard Completion targeted for 2028.

Continue to work with industry partner(s) https://techport.nasa.gov/projects/10759

Advanced Energy Management Systems

Develop a system architecture that can support power exchange between two or more surface assets, operation of a large power system network (grid), help protect each asset against improper usage, etc.

Define standardized data and software interfaces, developing an ICD, and developing/advancing a plug-and-play capability that will easily add new assets to the existing system or infrastructure.

Status (In-Work) Based off Advanced Exploration Systems / Autonomous Power Controller (APC) task which included: i) energy management, ii) fault management, iii) recovery The APC energy management system forecasts power availability into the future and creates a load schedule based on priorities from the vehicle manager.

Project will extend the capability of the APC energy management system and create an overall energy management system for lunar infrastructure.

Plans Advanced energy management techniques Defining the software interfaces Developing the full plug-and-play capability with ability to fully integrate new assets into the architecture with minimal human interaction image2.png image3.png image4.png image5.png image6.jpeg image7.jpeg image8.png image9.png image1.png