Redwire Secures $40 Million NASA Contract for Lunar Solar Power Demonstration

Redwire Corporation (NYSE:RDW) has been awarded a contract valued at approximately $40 million to develop an integrated power generation system for NASA’s Moon Base programme, supporting plans to demonstrate solar energy technology near the Moon’s South Pole.

The aerospace company will adapt its Roll-Out Solar Array (ROSA) technology for NASA’s Mini-Communications and Solar Tower (miniCAST) initiative, which aims to evaluate power generation and distribution capabilities for future lunar operations.

Lunar Power System to Combine Solar Arrays and Energy Storage

The proposed system will integrate deployable solar arrays, batteries and wireless power-transfer equipment designed to support future lunar rovers, habitats and resource utilisation activities.

The demonstration will assess vertically deployed solar power generation, mast-mounted payload operations and the ability of the system to survive lunar nighttime conditions.

NASA intends to use the project to evaluate technical requirements and reduce risks associated with developing larger power infrastructure for sustained lunar operations.

Redwire will work with NASA’s Moon Base Infrastructure Office on the autonomous power generation demonstration.

ROSA Technology Builds on International Space Station Deployment

The contract follows the installation of the eighth and final Redwire-built ROSA wing on the International Space Station, completed shortly before the announcement.

ROSA technology was developed through a public-private partnership between Redwire and Boeing and has been deployed across multiple space missions.

According to the company, more than 65 solar array wings have been delivered or are currently in development for civil, commercial and national security applications.

Mike Gold, President of Redwire Space, commented:

“Moon Base is one of the most important human spaceflight initiatives for America since Apollo.”

“ROSA has proven itself in Earth orbit and beyond for a variety of public and private missions.”

Contract Supports NASA’s Lunar Infrastructure Development

The approximately $40 million award extends Redwire’s involvement in space-based power generation technology from orbital applications to lunar surface infrastructure.

The miniCAST demonstration is intended to provide operational data on solar power deployment, energy storage and power distribution under lunar conditions.

The project will assess technologies that could support future NASA activities on the Moon, including surface mobility, habitation and resource utilisation.

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