Description: The Space Science and Technology Evaluation Facility (SSTEF) is a general-purpose lunar testbed providing power and data services to individual experiments and payloads for testing at the lunar surface. This testbed is a flexible design to allow for different landers, different locations on the Moon, and different experiments. It builds on the existing technology for the Materials on International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) Flight Facility currently on the International Space Station and uses the current Design Specifications for the Natural Environment (DSNE) for the lunar environment. Aegis Aerospace has contracted with Intuitive Machines for the first flight, including launch from Earth and landing on the Moon. Seven experiments are part of the first payload, with future missions and future experiments planned, to grow the lunar economy. This first set of experiments includes solar cells, antenna materials, radiation shielding, avionics, and other candidate materials for lunar spacecraft, to advance the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for partner technology and maximize the data gathered. SSTEF is moving into the qualification stage, where the hardware will be tested for durability in the thermal vacuum environment. The qualification hardware will also be subjected to vibration testing to ensure it can perform after launch and also electromagnetic interference (EMI) testing, so as not to interfere with the other payloads on the Intuitive Machines lander. After these tests have been completed, a final functional test will be performed. Contributing partners and stakeholders include companies in Texas, Arkansas, Ohio, New York, Georgia, and Florida, with continuing outreach to other aerospace companies and universities for future work.

Benefits: SSTEF provides ready, affordable access to lunar science and testing by supporting a variety of experiments and payloads. The idea is a "plug and play" platform for experiments, with power and data available and a camera to monitor these experiments over the lifetime of the mission. This builds on the success of the MISSE Flight Facility on the International Space Station. By simplifying the process for investigator scientists and engineers, it increases demand for Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) payloads, increases TRL technologies for lunar exploration, reduces risk for larger missions, and grows the lunar economy. It increases interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers at universities by providing the opportunity to students for lunar exploration, space materials and systems development, and project management. Aegis Aerospace has communicated about this space exploration opportunity at multiple conferences, including the Materials Research Society annual meeting, the National Space and Missile Materials Symposium, and the SmallSat conference.