Astrobotic is creating a scalable power infrastructure service, called LunaGrid, designed to supply sustained lunar surface power for a wide range of lunar missions and customers. A key component of LunaGrid is the Astrobotic VSAT, a solar-powered system that is deployable, self-leveling, and capable of sun tracking for optimal energy capture. Astrobotic is developing a 10 kW VSAT system, along with the Extra-Large Vertical Solar Array Technology (VSAT-XL), which would generate 50 kW of power to support the growing power requirements of planned lunar missions.

The joint feasibility study will explore how the Honda regenerative fuel cell (RFC) system can be integrated with Astrobotic’s Vertical Solar Array Technology (VSAT) and LunaGrid service to provide continuous power, even during prolonged periods of darkness on the Moon. The study will integrate the Honda RFC and Astrobotic VSAT Systems and will focus on three key objectives:

1. Conducting detailed illumination studies to assess power generation and storage requirements at different sites where the LunaGrid system will be deployed
2. Evaluating the scalability of the Honda RFC system for LunaGrid’s use
3. Assessing hardware and software integration with the Honda RFC and Astrobotic VSAT to define RFC system requirements that ensure reliable operation in future deployments

“A key advantage of the Honda regenerative fuel cell system is its ability to provide continuous power during the lunar night. By integrating the Honda RFC with the Astrobotic VSAT, the combined system could significantly extend power availability beyond the lunar night, which would enable expanded mission capabilities, support a sustained human presence on the Moon, advance lunar surface infrastructure development and power future commercial industries, Honda said.