Form 9.B Project Summary

Chron: 971828

Proposal Number: 10.06-1141

Project Title: Habitat Skin with Integrated Thin-Film Power Subsystem

Technical Abstract (Limit 200 words)

As Johnson Space Center and other NASA centers study long-term manned missions to the moon and Mars, one of the key enabling technologies is provision of a livable, self-sustaining habitat. However, while this habitat must represent a safe haven, it also must be practical to launch, erect, and maintain.

ITN believes that integrated systems represent an elegant, achievable means to these ends and is currently developing a number of thin-film power system technologies which could be integrated with the habitat skin to create a Multifunctional Habitat Skin. Specifically, ITN proposes herein a revolutionary integrated skin concept comprising:

Integrated Power Pack (IPP), a multilayered laminate of thin-film hotovoltaics, thin-film battery, and thin-film power management and distribution electronics

Direct integration of IPP with the habitat¹s structural skin element, whether flexible or rigid

Key advantages of our IPP concept, compared to a conventional power subsystem with separate solar array, battery, and power electronics components, include the following:

reduced launch mass, volume, and number of launches to field a given system

reduced assembly procedures; assembly of habitat also deploys the power subsystem

reduced mass of structural elements; increased mass fraction for science, consumables, fuel, or margin

Potential Commercial Applications (Limit 200 words)

The Integrated Power Pack subsystem, proposed herein for integration with Trans-Stage and Planetary Habitats, will have significant spin-off potential, including:

Tent/Shelter Power Supply: This concept is virtually identical to that proposed herein, except applied to a terrestrial system. For the military user, IPP would replace or augment diesel generators, thereby reducing fuel resupply demands, and noise and IR signatures. It can also provide critical power for civil deployments, such as ³medical missionaries². If IPP can be produced very cost-effectively, it could even be implemented on consumer products such as camping tents and trailer awnings.

Portable Electronics Power Supply: The IPP/skin concept can serve as a stand-alone power supply for many portable electronics systems. Military applications include radios, data relays, and GPS. Commercial applications include laptop computers, camcorders, and cell phones.

Unmanned Space Systems and Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): Many unmanned systems, including spacecraft, the Pathfinder UAV, and some balloons, use solar energy for primary power. IPP could replace the conventional solar cells with a complete power subsystem, providing significant, mass, volume, and payload benefits.

Name and Address of Principal Investigator (Name,

Organization Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Bruce Lanning

ITN Energy Systems, Inc.

12401 West 49th Avenue

Wheat Ridge , CO 80033

Name and Address of Offeror (Firm Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Janet Casteel

ITN Energy Systems, Inc

12401 West 49th Avenue

Wheat Ridge , CO 80033