Innovative Deployable Solar Array for SmallSat and CubeSat Applications

Deployable Space Systems has developed an innovative deployable solar array for CubeSat and SmallSat applications that offers a 2X increase in deployed solar array area / power given the very restrictive CubeSat stowed volume when compared to State-of-the-Art (SOA) CubeSat solar array systems. The basic array structure is also dual-use and can be configured as a deployable radiator. This innovative and simple array design provides a robust, linear solar array deployment, maximizes the amount of solar power that can be deployed from the side of a 3U CubeSat (>50W+ per wing or +100W for the CubeSat) and is significantly stronger and stiffer than current State-of-the-Art CubeSat-class solar arrays. The solar array design features a deployable stiffening structure for ultra-high deployed strength and stiffness. All of the solar array components are chosen to minimize the stowed height of the array. Once successfully qualified thru the proposed Phase 2 program, the innovative CubeSat / SmallSat solar array will be mission-enabling for future high-power missions.

NASA applications include future science, exploration and earth observation missions requiring significant advances in CubeSat and SmallSat deployable solar array and/or radiator technology. The increase in power / deployed area, extremely small stowage volume, and high deployed strength/stiffness of the proposed array system over state-of-the-art technologies is mission enabling for future higher power missions of interest.

Non-NASA space applications are comprised of practically all missions that require CubeSat class satellites and deployable solar arrays and radiators with increased power capacity or area capacity, respectively. The solar array small stowed volume, high power capability, affordability, and configurability are attractive for the end user.

This is a mature technology (TRL 8) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.