![\"Astrobotic's](\"https:\/\/cdn.satnow.com\/news\/1721369214035_638569660230812373.png\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Astrobotic is one step closer to establishing a lunar power grid with the initiation of a summer-long test campaign for its VSAT Optimized for Lunar Traverse (VOLT). VOLT is a specialized lunar rover equipped with a vertical solar array designed to drive across the Moon, and harness solar energy to charge a variety of lunar surface assets like habitats, rovers, and science instruments at lunar south pole. <\/p>\n
An engineering model of VOLT\u2019s mobile rover base underwent testing in the Simulated Lunar Operations Laboratory (SLOPE) at NASA\u2019s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. The tests demonstrated the vehicle\u2019s stability, gimbal functionality, and sun tracking capabilities on an inclined bed of lunar regolith simulant. Although VOLT was designed to operate on a 15-degree incline, it surpassed expectations by remaining completely stable on a 20-degree slope with no slippage. <\/p>\n
Furthermore, VOLT\u2019s gimbal maintained a level position within a 3-degree tolerance, confirming its capability to support the 60-foot vertical solar array that will be integrated later this year. NASA Glenn\u2019s motion capture cameras validated the stability of the lunar rover while resting on a regolith surface, ensuring the vehicle\u2019s stability on inclined terrain, analogous to what is expected to be found at the lunar south pole.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo supply continuous power at the poles of the Moon, we need to take advantage of existing peaks of persistent light: locations with near constant sunlight throughout the year. Since most of these locations are at crater rims with high slope angles, we designed VOLT to deploy on extreme slopes. These tests proved that our system can operate successfully, with plenty of margin for more extreme locations,\u201d says Robert Rolley<\/strong>, Astrobotic\u2019s Principal Investigator for VOLT.<\/p>\n Prior to the test campaign, Astrobotic\u2019s team engineered, prototyped, and assembled the VOLT\u2019s mobile base, a lunar rover with a chassis the size of a minivan. The entire structure \u2013 including the electronics and gimbal \u2013 were all assembled within 12 weeks. The gimbal system is key to optimally orienting a solar array on the Moon to capture solar energy, level the array on uneven terrain, and maintain stability while the array tracks the Sun autonomously in 360 degrees. VOLT can be delivered to the Moon aboard Astrobotic\u2019s Griffin lunar lander and egress onto the surface to operate independently without a tow from another vehicle.<\/p>\n VOLT is a key part of Astrobotic\u2019s LunaGrid<\/strong> system to deliver power on the Moon. LunaGrid is a network of tethered VOLTs that generate power. Power is distributed from VOLTs both via wired connections and wireless chargers onboard tethered CubeRovers, which act as mobile power plugs. LunaGrid will supply power to enable systems to operate during the lunar day and then survive the lunar night for months at a time. <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s imperative that we solve the power-generation challenge on the Moon for sustainable long-term operations,\u201d said John Landreneau<\/strong>, Senior Project Manager at Astrobotic. \u201cVOLT\u2019s ability to precisely drive and operate in the most desirable areas for solar capture and distribution sets this technology apart. With strategic partnerships and novel tech developed in-house by our team, VOLT and the LunaGrid system are making great progress to bring reliable power to lunar surface systems like landers, rovers, habitats, and science suites.\u201d <\/p>\n The first unveiling of the entire VOLT engineering model is planned for late October during the annual Keystone Space Conference held in Pittsburgh, PA. Astrobotic plans to deploy and demonstrate LunaGrid elements on the lunar surface no earlier than mid-2026 with the goal of the first operational LunaGrid by 2028 at the Moon\u2019s south pole.<\/p>\n