#USA #NASA #Brooklyn #Wireless Charging #Yank Technologies

Yank Technologies Receives NASA Phase III Contract

Yank Technologies has made significant strides in the arena of space technology with the receipt of a $1 million Phase III Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) commercialization contract from NASA. This contract represents a crucial step in advancing their Dust-Tolerant Resonant Connectors, designed for bi-directional power transfer on the Moon and Mars.

Enhancing Power Interfaces for Deep Space Missions

Building on previous successes from their Phase I SBIR contract with NASA, Yank Technologies aims to refine their innovative power interfaces. The focus is to develop 6kW Dust-Tolerant Resonant Connectors, enabling reliable charging of lunar and Martian vehicles from one another. Given the dust and regolith challenges posed by these extraterrestrial surfaces, this technology is imperative for automating power transfers among vehicles deployed on these celestial bodies.

Dust storms and the accumulation of regolith are notorious for posing operational hurdles in outer space. Traditional connectors suffer greatly in these conditions; their exposed connection points accumulate dust, leading to malfunction and necessitating replacement after limited use. This presents a formidable obstacle for NASA’s missions, which rely heavily on sustainable power access for equipment and personnel.

Yank Technologies is positioning itself as a solution provider through their revolutionary wireless power transfer technology. By eliminating exposed conductive surfaces, the Dust-Tolerant Resonant Connectors can operate consistently in volatile environments, thus ensuring a sustainable energy supply.

Innovative Designs for Extreme Environments

The interlocking coil designs of the connectors are entirely insulated, mitigating risks associated with dust interference. This technological advancement not only heightens safety but extends the functionality and lifespan of the equipment used in these demanding missions. The contract signifies a partnership between Yank Technologies and NASA’s Glenn Research Center (GRC), working collaboratively to tackle the pressing power interface challenges anticipated during lunar and Martian expeditions.

Yank Technologies has established itself as a pioneer in wireless charging solutions. With an impressive portfolio boasting over 20 patents and about 50 pending, the firm is not only a contender in space technology but has also made noteworthy contributions across various sectors, including industrial and automotive applications. Their approach aims to optimize reliability and efficiency in power delivery undeniably, enhancing operational capabilities in factories by conserving the downtime of Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs).

Future Implementations and Developments

The upcoming tests for the 6kW Dust-Tolerant Resonant Connectors are slated for 2026 at both the NASA Glenn Research Center and NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC). These tests will utilize lunar and Martian regolith simulants to ensure that the connectors meet the high-performance demands expected in space. Following these assessments, the connectors will be integrated into future Moon and Mars missions, paving the way for enhanced operational frameworks in deep space explorations.

CEO Josh Yank emphasized the significance of this collaboration with NASA, stating, "This contract significantly accelerates the development of our Dust-Tolerant Resonant Connectors, ensuring that astronauts will have the capabilities to effectively power their vehicles during missions to the Moon and Mars." This statement underscores NASA’s growing confidence in wireless charging solutions to address electrical supply challenges and the broader vision of establishing durable habitats beyond Earth.

For more information about Yank Technologies and their pioneering wireless power solutions, visit their official website at yanktechnologies.com.

Conclusion

As the countdown to additional lunar and Mars missions begins, Yank Technologies stands at the forefront of crucial advancements in space technology. This contract's successful execution could mark a pivotal turning point for how power systems work in the harshest environments known to humanity, potentially changing the face of future space expeditions.