Modular, Reconfigurable, High-Energy Technology Development

The modular, reconfigurable high-energy (MRHE) technology demonstrator project was to have been a series of ground-based demonstrations to mature critical technologies needed for in-space assembly of a high-power high-voltage modular spacecraft in low Earth orbit, enabling the development of future modular solar-powered exploration cargo-transport vehicles and infrastructure. MRHE was a project in the high energy space systems (HESS) program, within NASA's Exploration Systems Research and Technology (ESR&T) Program. NASA participants included Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and Glenn Research Center (GRC). Contractor participants were the Boeing Phantom Works in Huntsville, AL, Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Center in Palo Alto, CA, ENTECH, Inc. in Keller, TX, and the University of AL Huntsville (UAH). This paper presents an overview of the MRHE Phase I activities at MSFC and its contractor partners. The assembly demonstration in the Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Center (LMATC) Robot-Satellite facility was a major Phase I accomplishment. Three robot-satellites successfully demonstrated rendezvous & docking, self-assembly, reconfiguration, adaptable GN&C, deployment, and interfaces between modules. ENTECH's Phase I technology maturation accomplishments include material recommendations for radiation-hardened Stretched Lens Array (SLA) concentrator lenses, and a design concept and test results for a hi-voltage PV receiver. UAH's accomplishments include Supertube heat-pipe test results, which support estimates of thermal conductivities at 30,000 times that of an equivalent silver rod. MSFC performed systems trades and developed a preliminary concept design for a lOOkW-class modular reconfigurable solar electric propulsion transport vehicle. Boeing Phantom Works in Huntsville performed assembly and rendezvous and docking trades and launch vehicles and orbit analysis. A concept animation video was produced by SAIC, which showed rendezvous and docking and SLA-square-rigger (SLASR) deployment in LEO.