Motorless Extension, Leveling, and Tracking Array System

Dynovas Motorless Extension, Leveling, and Tracking (MELT) array system delivers a modular, scalable power solution for lunar missions at a mass efficiency of 100 W/kg and a volume efficiency 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 C to + 130 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 (caterpillar leg); 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. MELT is a Mission System Unit for the Power and Motive Control of Solar Arrays Extension, Leveling, and Sun Tracking Mechanisms for Solar Array Power Management, Controls, and User Interface for Solar Array > 100 W/kg SYSTEM > 22 kW/m3 SYSTEM Piezoelectric Caterpillar Actuator - Linear and Rotary Dust Tolerant and Dust Mitigating Configurable - Flat, Long, Cube Scalable - 1U CubeSat to 10+ kW Power Station Applicable to VSAT, landers, payloads, power substations, rovers, constellations, and spacecraft Re-designable for communications systems TRL 6 Demonstration of Extension, Leveling, and Tilt Mechanisms in Relevant Vacuum, Temperature, and Regolith Environment FlatSat design, demonstration, and operation of MELT mechanisms Actuator customization – deflection, force, and dimensional optimization; integrated circuit and ESD design Bus structure design and analysis for launch shock/vibe, and build to demonstrate modularity With the Phase II Objectives satisfied, Dynovas will deliver: A prototype MELT array system (FlatSat configuration) Motorless rotation and extension demonstration Detailed design of overall modular MELT array system, bus structure, and components Path forward for integration and mission testing
Benefits: The MELT array system aligns with NASA initiatives: Vertical Solar Array Technology (VSAT) project, Watts on the Moon Challenge, and Artemis Lunar Landings. Dynovas Phase II team member, Astrobotic, is a participant in each one of NASA’s initiatives. The scalability and configurability of MELT enable universal application to power stations, 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. TThe NASA specific lunar missions will also have parallel commercial efforts to which MELT applies. In addition to lunar exploration other dual use applications exist, including: solar power electric vehicles; communications relays; power substations; satellite constellations; refueling stations; orbiting debris removal; terrestrial pop-up power and communications towers; lid closing and opening.