NASA invests US$150m in lunar construction technology

NASA recently announced the allocation of approximately US$150 million to 11 companies that possess innovative technologies capable of advancing long-term lunar and space exploration. The companies are involved in various projects related to infrastructure, construction, and power in space.

The funding will be used to advance power generation and distribution technologies (Photo: AdobeStock)

Among the recipients of the sixth round of Tipping Point grants is Blue Origin, a company founded by Jeff Bezos and based in Kent, Washington, US. Blue Origin will receive nearly US$35 million from NASA to further develop its Blue Alchemist project.

The ambitious initiative aims to create solar cells from lunar regolith, which is the dust and crushed rock found on the moon’s surface. The potential impact of this technology is significant, as it could enable the autonomous generation of vast amounts of solar power and the transmission of power cables.

With NASA’s financial backing, Blue Origin plans to demonstrate the autonomous operation of its technology in a simulated lunar environment by the year 2026. The grants from NASA will be disbursed over four years to support these endeavors.

Another recipient of a Tipping Point grant is Protoinnovations which will receive US$6.2 million to advance modular, flight-ready mobility control software for future lunar rovers and robots.

Through these grants, NASA is said to be fostering innovation and driving progress in space exploration by collaborating with private companies on cutting-edge projects with  potential for advancing our understanding and capabilities in space.