Modular Operations, Resource, & Power Hub (MORPH)

Opterus proposed the Modular Operations, Resource, & Power Hub (MOPRH), a modular 50 kW vertical solar array designed to address the power generation needs of lunar missions. The innovative system consists of interchangeable solar panels, supported by Opterus’ Tubular Truss Additive Manufacturing (TTAM) technology. The system addresses many of the needs outlined in the topic including novel packaging and modularity concepts, novel lightweight components, mechanisms and seals with exceptionally high resistance to lunar dust, optimized use of composite materials, adaptable solar array concepts for multiple lunar surface use cases, and concepts of operation for fully autonomous deployment, retraction, assembly, operation and repair. Although a full system architecture will be conceived, the primary innovation that will be explored in the proposed Phase I effort is the lightweight panel design with embedded electronics and dust tolerant connection method from the panel to the support structure. The intended use of funding will be to support the design, development, and testing of lightweight solar panel prototypes as well as a full system architecture design and concept of operations for assembly, retraction, and repair of the array and support structure. The focus will be on creating a scalable and reconfigurable power generation system for lunar infrastructure with applications extending to Mars missions. MOPRH targets NASA’s lunar and Mars exploration programs, aligning with the need for robust, high-power solar arrays for long-duration missions. This technology will also serve commercial space missions targeting the lunar and Martian surface where there are significant market growth opportunities for deployable structures and mechanisms.