Jeremiah McNatt

Principal Technologist for Power

NASA Space Technology Mission Directorate, USA

 

Bio: Jeremiah McNatt is the Principal Technologist for Power for the NASA Space Technology Mission Directorate. In this role, he serves as a subject matter expert for power generation, storage, and management and works to define technology gaps to meet future NASA mission needs. Prior to this, he spent 21 years developing space solar photovoltaic-related technologies including thin film, organic, and high-efficiency cells along with solar arrays for unique applications including high temperature/high intensity, low temperature/low intensity, and planetary surfaces. His background includes the growth of high-efficiency solar cells and the packaging of arrays for optimal performance in their environment. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Physics from The University of Akron and a master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Case Western Reserve University. Jeremiah has served many key roles within the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference and is the current Chair of the AIAA Aerospace Power Systems Technical Committee.

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Title of Keynote Speech

Power Needs and Challenges from the Moon to Mars

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Abstract: Power drives exploration. From low Earth orbit to the lunar surface to Mars and beyond, power system capabilities will dictate the capacity and lifetime of the mission. NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate’s (STMD) goal is to develop, demonstrate, and transfer new space technologies that enable reliability and performance for mission success. This talk will discuss the envisioned future power systems for missions on the surfaces of the moon and Mars along with their challenges and constraints. Power system and component priorities will be shared along with updates on what STMD is currently doing to address shortfalls and how future investments will be prioritized.