Payload Universal Multi-purpose Adapter (PUMA)

The Payload Universal Multi-purpose Adapter or “PUMA” is an interface for in-space and surface science instrument servicing, assembly, upgrading & swapping. The PUMA-Surface Science Configuration (PUMA-SSC) provides dust-compliant (utilizing both dust protection strategies and dust tolerant materials) mechanical, electrical, and data interfaces for the lunar surface. Dust compliant means the interfaces must operate in a dusty surface environment and should be designed to function with contamination present at all stages of operation. The PUMA-In-Space Configuration (PUMA-ISC) provides mechanical, electrical, and thermal/fluids interfaces for in-space use. Both PUMA variants are intendent to provide lower mass and volume options for payload developers whether they be operating on the lunar surface or in-space. PUMA takes inspiration from Aegis Aerospace's Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) platform, which has 6 years of flight heritage. Aegis Aerospace will use SBIR funding and other NASA resources such as Flight Opportunities to raise the technology readiness level (TRL) of PUMA to a 9 through in-situ technology demonstrations. Target markets include commercial, government, and academic customers looking to operate instruments in-space or on the lunar surface. Aegis Aerospace has substantial experience in serving the testing and instrumentation markets through operating the MISSE platform and through the company's two lunar surface test beds that are slated for launch on CLPS landers: the Regolith Adherence Characterization-1 (RAC-1) and the Space Science & Technology Evaluation Facility-1 (SSTEF-1).