Questions and answers:
What is Yank Technologies developing for NASA? Yank Technologies is advancing wireless power receiver converters that can transfer energy to rovers and other equipment without physical connectors, reducing maintenance issues caused by lunar regolith or Martian dust.
Why are these converters important for Moon and Mars missions? They improve efficiency by consolidating multiple converters into one and allow charging even when there is misalignment or distance variation, which is common in space environments.
What stage of development will the project reach? The NASA Phase II contract aims to advance the converters to Technology Readiness Level 6, meaning they will be ready for demonstration in relevant space environments.
BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Yank Technologies in Brooklyn, N.Y., has received a two-year follow-on Small Business Innovation Research Phase II contract from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to advance wireless power receiver converters for use on lunar and planetary surfaces.
The converters are designed to improve rover system efficiency and reduce mass by consolidating multiple converters into a single stage. Their wide input voltage range supports charging despite misalignment or variable distances, which can occur during wireless power transmission on the Moon and Mars. NASA officials say the technology could help mitigate problems caused by lunar regolith and Martian dust storms, which can clog traditional electrical connectors.
Solutions
Yank Technologies has previously delivered wireless power receiver converters to NASA and will continue development for future missions. The company specializes in customizable wireless power solutions for industrial, automotive, consumer, and space applications, and holds 20 patents with about 50 more pending.
Related: NASA selects Yank Technologies to advance dust-tolerant connectors for lunar missions
The new contract work will focus on advancing the converters to Technology Readiness Level 6, optimizing size, weight, and power, and adding features such as programmable output voltages to support different rover models.
"With this follow-on NASA Phase II contract, we will prepare wireless power receiver converters for a variety of power interfacing solutions for NASA to establish long-lasting habitats on lunar and planetary surfaces," said Josh Yank, CEO of Yank Technologies. "This development further emphasizes NASA's commitment to wireless power for solving mission-critical challenges on the Moon and Mars."
