NASA Solicitation: JPL Power Transmission Assessment Study for Lunar Surface Exploration Missions
Synopsis – May 30, 2007
General Information
Solicitation Number: TY-07-07
Posted Date: May 30, 2007
FedBizOpps Posted Date: May 30, 2007
Original Response Date: Jun 15, 2007
Current Response Date: Jun 15, 2007
Classification Code: B — Special studies and analysis – not R and D
NAICS Code: 541330 – Engineering Services
Contracting Office Address
4800 Oak Grove Drive, Mail Stop 190-205, Pasadena, California 91109-8099
Description
The California Institute of Technology’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, operating under a prime contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), is seeking responses to this Request for Information (RFI) from Industry, academia, and other government agencies to collaborate in a teaming effort in support of Power Transmission Assessment Study for Lunar Surface Exploration Missions.
BACKGROUND: NASA is planning a number of robotic and human missions for lunar surface exploration. One of the needs of some of these exploration missions is the transmission of power.
REQUIREMENTS: The power levels range from a few watts to about 200kW, and distances range from a few meters to several tens of kilometers. The amount of power and the distances involved are not large by power engineering standards, but there may be some interesting technical challenges. For example, in space, cooling does not occur along the length of a wire, all the heat comes out at the ends.
NASA has requested JPL to investigate the power delivery options. The power delivery system could be: (1) Wired or wireless: (2) AC or DC; (3) Overhead (no wind, so no tower footing problems); or possibly underground. The lunar dust (regolith) may be a problem as it is a good insulator and tends to get everywhere. What if the particles get charged?
POWER ENGINEERING SOCIETY (PES) MEETING: If the potential party has an interest in a preliminary meeting to discuss ideas relating to lunar power delivery, wired or wireless, please contact Harold Kirkham, JPL Reliability Engineering Office at (818) 354-9699 or via email: harold.kirkham@jpl.nasa.gov to set up an appointment during the PES General Meeting on 06/24/2007 to 06/28/2007 held in Tampa, Florida. There is a possibility of a convening a workshop at JPL after the PES meeting. The date is to be determined.
COMPANY CAPABILITIES: Prior to the PES General Meeting, please submit your expression of interest and your company capabilities statement, limited to one (1) page, including any applicable information relating to wired or wireless lunar power delivery no later than 06/15/2007. RESPONSES DUE: Submit the above requested information to maryhelen.ruiz@jpl.nasa.gov no later than 06/15/2007.
TECHNICAL POINT OF CONTACT: Please direct questions and/or comments to Tsun-Yee Yan at (818) 354-3016 or via Email: yan@jpl.nasa.gov
DISCLAIMER: It is emphasized that the requested information is for preliminary planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that JPL may solicit a procurement in the future. Neither JPL nor the Government will be responsible for any costs incurred by you in furnishing this information. Be advised that any information provided shall be deemed to be furnished with unlimited rights to JPL, with JPL assuming no liability for the disclosure, use, or reproduction of such data.
Point of Contact
Name: Mary Helen Ruiz
Title: JPL Business Opportunities Office
Phone: 818-354-7532
Fax: 818-393-1746
Email: maryhelen.ruiz@jpl.nasa.gov
