The LID-1, LID-2 and LID-3 missions will reuse technology from Northrop Grumman’s Habitation and Logistics Outpost program. The company said existing HALO hardware could help NASA deploy lunar infrastructure faster.
HALO-derived power, data and mechanical interfaces will support the demonstrations. NASA will use the missions to collect performance data directly from the lunar surface.
A main objective is to demonstrate how surface systems can remain powered and connected through the lunar night. The missions will also test operations in permanently or temporarily shadowed areas.
Northrop Grumman said the results will support planning for Artemis surface campaigns. The data will also inform longer-duration human and robotic operations on the Moon.
“As America embarks on the next chapter in human space exploration, our Lunar Infrastructure Demos will help turn the Moon into a place where astronauts can stay, work and make discoveries that benefit humanity,” said David Schiller, vice president, civil space and sciences, Northrop Grumman. “Our ready-to-fly, reliable HALO technologies allow NASA to move faster, putting in place robust infrastructure that can endure the lunar night and establish a strong blueprint for a future Moon Base.”
The company said reusing HALO technology can reduce development risk and accelerate deployment. The approach is intended to establish the power and data backbone needed for a sustained lunar presence.
The three demonstrations are designed to prove and then scale infrastructure for Artemis crews and robotic explorers. Northrop Grumman said the work will help NASA prepare systems needed for a future Moon Base.
Source: Northrop Grumman (press release).
