SBIR/STTR Award attributes
Dynovasrsquo; Motorless Extension, Leveling, and Tracking (MELT) array system delivers a modular, scalable power solution for lunar missions at a mass efficiency of gt; 100 W/kg and a volume efficiency gt;22 kW/m3. The MELT system will be demonstrated at TRL 6 via operation of extension/retraction and rotating caterpillar actuator systems in a simulated lunar south pole environment (- 80 deg;C to + 130 deg;C, under vacuum), including simulated lunar dust. Subsystem operation will be controlled by a breadboard flat sat/mission system. The foundational technology of the MELT array system is the caterpillar actuator. The caterpillar actuator can be configured in both a linear and a rotary configuration. In both cases, the actuating mechanism and principles are the same: a dust tolerant piezoelectric actuator is bonded to a circuit integrated composite substrate (ldquo;caterpillar legrdquo;); the adjacent structural surface is patterned as a ratchet; the sequential operation of caterpillar leg arrays captures, slides, and disengages form the ratcheted surface to create continuous movement.MELT is a universal system that delivers the motive extension, rotation, and tilt leveling requirements for lunar deployment of a solar array. Additionally, MELT contains the power management unit, actuator control systems, thermal management systems, user interface, and communications systems necessary to control and employ all solar array functions. Moreover, the MELT systems are scalable and configurable to deliver power solutions from 1U CubeSats to 10+ kW power stations. At each scale, the MELT system can be configured vertically, flat, or as a cube. The scalability and configurability of MELT will enable its integration and commercialization to the 10+ kW vertical solar array technology targeted on this program PLUS landers, high and low power payloads, power substations, CubeSat size to full scale rovers, and beyond the moon to constellations, deep space missions, and Mars exploration and habitation.
