Astrobotic Selected by NASA to Develop the New VSAT-XL

On August 7, Astrobotic announced that it has been selected by NASA to develop an Extra Large Vertical Solar Array Technology (VSAT-XL) for the Moon as part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The American company received a $150,000 contract from NASA to undertake this project.

*Comparison of Astrobotic’s 10kW VSAT to the 50kW VSAT-XL. Credits: Astrobotic*

According to Lauren Whitehouse, Lead Structures Engineer at Astrobotic, the new array will become essential to meet the growing energy demands on the lunar surface caused by the increase in lunar exploration over the next decade.

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VSAT-XL

VSAT-XL, an advancement of the 10kW lunar VSAT currently being developed at Astrobotic under a NASA contract, is set to become the largest planned power infrastructure technology on the Moon. This impressive structure will stand 34 meters tall and 12.5 meters wide.

Like VSAT, the new array is designed to be deployable, relocatable, self-leveling, and capable of tracking the sun to maximize solar power generation. However, VSAT-XL will significantly boost power output, increasing from 10 kW to 50 kW, meeting the escalating energy needs for future lunar missions.

*Astrobotic’s LunaGrid, a fleet of VOLT rovers. Credits: Astrobotic*

This innovative system will support various lunar activities, including scientific research, habitat construction, and resource extraction. Additionally, its ability to be relocated and redeployed makes it highly adaptable to different mission requirements. However, it is not clear if new arrays will be transported and deployed by the Astrobotic’s rover VOLT.

The VSAT-XL system will incorporate engineering solutions developed by Astrobotic, including those built for its lunar landers and rovers, as well as the advanced 10 kW VSAT system. In addition, it will utilize Roll Out Solar Arrays (ROSA) from Redwire Space, integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance its efficiency and reliability.

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LunaGrid

VSAT-XL is part of the LunaGrid system, a commercial power service for the poles of the Moon announced by Astrobotic at the 73rd International Astronautical Congress in Paris, on September 19, 2022. The LunaGrid program by Astrobotic aims to provide a power generation and distribution service on the lunar surface, which is crucial for supporting long-term human and robotic operations on the Moon. LunaGrid leverages Vertical Solar Array Technology (VSAT), developed in collaboration with NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate.

Furthermore, another goal of LunaGrid is to ensure continuous and reliable power to lunar habitats, landers, rovers, science suites, and other systems, enabling them to survive the extremely cold lunar night, which can last up to 14 Earth days with temperatures dropping as low as -220 degrees Celsius. Without a sustainable power source, most lunar operations would be limited to short durations of about one lunar day.

Astrobotic plans to begin demonstrating elements of the LunaGrid as early as 2026, with the first operational grid expected to be established by 2028 at the lunar south pole.

This achievement represents a critical step toward establishing a sustainable and reliable lunar infrastructure, essential for ensuring a long-term human presence and the success of future lunar exploration missions.

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