NASA selects Yank Technologies to advance dust-tolerant connectors for lunar missions
BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Yank Technologies has been awarded a two-year Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract from NASA to develop further its Dust-Tolerant Resonant Connectors, designed for reliable power transmission on the Moon and Mars.
The connectors use interlocking resonant coils fully insulated without exposed conductive terminals, allowing them to function in harsh, dusty environments where traditional connectors often fail due to debris buildup and mechanical wear. The technology aims to provide durable power transfer solutions for NASA’s lunar and planetary surface missions.
"With this follow-on NASA Phase II contract, we will prepare Dust-Tolerant Resonant Connectors for a variety of power interfacing solutions for NASA to establish long-lasting habitats on the Moon and Mars," said Josh Yank, CEO of Yank Technologies.
NASA taps Yank Technologies for power systems on Moon, Mars
The company has already delivered prototypes to NASA and plans to optimize the connectors for kilowatt-level power applications. The development will include lunar and planetary regolith testing to ensure performance in real mission conditions. The connectors are intended for use in power transmission lines and umbilical systems extending from landers.
Lunar tech
The contract comes amid increased focus on lunar exploration under NASA’s Artemis program, which received $7.8 billion in fiscal year 2025. The program seeks to return humans to the Moon and establish a long-term presence.
Yank Technologies in Brooklyn, N.Y. also develops wireless power systems for industrial, automotive, consumer, and aerospace sectors. The company has also received contracts from NASA to develop Wireless Power Receiver Converters for lunar rovers .
The Wireless Power Receiver Converters are designed to improve rover efficiency and reduce mass by integrating multiple converters into a single-stage converter that supports various voltages. These converters also enhance charging reliability by accommodating misalignment and varying distances.
