Brooklyn-based Yank Technologies has been awarded a prestigious two-year Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II contract from NASA to further develop their Dust-Tolerant Resonant Connectors for lunar and planetary exploration. This follow-on contract builds upon successful initial delivery of the technology to NASA and positions the company as a key contributor to power transmission solutions for future space missions.
The Dust-Tolerant Resonant Connectors represent a significant advancement in power transmission technology for extreme environments. Unlike traditional connectors that are vulnerable to dust contamination and physical wear, these innovative devices utilize extremely efficient interlocking coils that are completely insulated with no exposed conductive terminals. This design makes them particularly well-suited for the challenging conditions found on the Moon and Mars.
"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.
Technology Advantages for Space Applications
The harsh lunar and Martian environments present unique challenges for power transmission systems. Traditional connectors often fail due to dust infiltration, which can compromise electrical connections and lead to system failures. Yank Technologies' solution addresses these challenges through complete insulation and robust design principles.
The Phase II development will focus on optimizing the size, weight, and power capabilities of the connectors for kilowatt applications. The technology will undergo rigorous verification testing with lunar and planetary regolith to ensure reliability under actual mission conditions. This testing phase is critical for eventual integration into upcoming NASA missions.
This innovation comes at a strategic time, as the US House of Representatives has allocated $7.8 billion to NASA's Artemis I Program for the 2025 fiscal year, underscoring the nation's commitment to returning humans to the moon. The increasing focus on lunar exploration creates significant opportunities for Yank Technologies to expand their wireless power ecosystem for space applications.
Broader Applications and Company Expertise
While the NASA contract focuses on space applications, Yank Technologies has developed expertise in wireless power solutions across multiple sectors. The company has secured eighteen patents with approximately fifty more pending, demonstrating their commitment to innovation in wireless power transmission.
Their technology portfolio includes solutions for:
- Industrial applications: Enhancing robotic autonomy in factories by charging Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) while in operation, reducing downtime and improving efficiency
- Automotive implementations: Developing wireless power solutions for next-generation vehicle interiors, enabling features like seamless door removal and complete cockpit reconfiguration
- Consumer products: Creating systems for charging multiple electronics wirelessly through various surfaces
The company's core technology eliminates unreliable electrical connections, which strengthens durability, increases operational efficiency, and enables new product features across these diverse applications.
Future Development Roadmap
Under the Phase II contract, Yank Technologies will advance their Dust-Tolerant Resonant Connector system specifically for power transmission lines and umbilical products from landers on the Moon and Mars. The development process will focus on practical implementation challenges while maintaining the high reliability required for mission-critical space applications.
The technology represents a potential paradigm shift in how power is distributed in extraterrestrial environments, potentially enabling more sustainable and long-lasting human presence beyond Earth. As NASA continues to develop its lunar and Mars exploration programs, innovations like the Dust-Tolerant Resonant Connectors will play an increasingly important role in establishing the infrastructure needed for extended missions.
Founded as a wireless power innovator, Yank Technologies continues to develop long-range, high-power wireless charging technology that is safe, simple, and requires no human contact. Their patented developments in resonant inductive technology provide scalable solutions for variable ranges of power and distances, positioning them at the forefront of wireless power innovation for both terrestrial and space applications.
