SBIR-STTR Award

In this Phase I program, MicroLink proposes to develop a laser power converter array technology that provides a pathway for kW-level power beaming on the Lunar or Martian surface. NASA’s planned human exploration of the lunar surface and as well as Mars will require innovative technologies to transmit high power over long distances. The craters on the lunar poles are of particular interest as they are in permanent shadow and may harbor valuable resources such as water ice. However, the shadowed craters present a challenge for power generation since conventional solar arrays cannot be used for energy collection on vehicles such as rovers. Laser power beaming has been proposed as one method to power a rover directly from an energy source located at the rim of the crater, which could be a solar array or nuclear reactor (Figure 1). In “Laser Power Beaming for Lunar Polar Exploration”, Landis notes that the recent emergence of efficient and compact fiber laser sources greatly improves the feasibility of such an approach and identifies 1064 nm as an attractive wavelength based on available fiber lasers. Meter-scale, space-grade laser power converters will need to be developed at this wavelength that can efficiently collect 100s to 1000s of watts. The power converters will need to be compatible with the lunar environment and in a form factor that is lightweight and can be compactly stowed. MicroLink’s experience in thin-film III-V semiconductor materials, solar optical devices, and space-grade blanket technologies presents a unique opportunity to develop laser power converters that are high-performance, radiation-hard, stowable and highly enabling for future lunar and Mars missions. Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): Lunar human exploration – shadowed craters on the lunar poles are targets for future NASA exploration, particularly the south polar region that has been baselined as a landing site for NASA Artemis human exploration. Providing power to rovers operating in the craters is an ideal application for laser power beaming. Mars missions – for human exploration on Mars will require multiple methods to enable surface power transmission over long distances. Power beaming to UAVs – for weather monitoring, meteorological applications and remote sensing. Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): Unmanned Aerial Vehicles – Commercial and military applications include ISR, communications relays for wireless networks, and remote sensing. Power-by-light systems – can be used to power sensors and actuators when conventional copper cables are not feasible, such as for galvanic isolation, high-voltage or lightning protection, electromagnetic interference, or rotating syst