Space Rated Wireless Charger for In-Situ Resource Utilization Pilot Excavator (IPEx)

The contract seeks a Technology Readiness Level 6 wireless charging system designed to support a lunar technology demonstration integrated with the In-Situ Resource Utilization Pilot Excavator, or IPEx. The system must be space rated to withstand the extreme environmental conditions of the lunar surface, including vacuum, radiation, and thermal cycling, while delivering reliable, autonomous power transfer without physical connectors. The goal is to enable continuous operation of the IPEx during lunar missions by wirelessly recharging its battery systems, reducing the need for crewed maintenance and improving mission durability and efficiency. The procurement is being managed by NASA’s Kennedy Space Center under the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, with the project targeting advanced in-situ resource utilization capabilities essential for sustained lunar exploration. The technology must be mature and verifiable at TRL 6, meaning it has been demonstrated in a relevant environment, which in this case requires validation under lunar simulation conditions prior to deployment. The system is intended for use in a future lunar demonstration and must align with NASA’s broader objectives of enabling autonomous, scalable operations on the Moon to support human presence and resource extraction efforts.