Motorless Expandable Solar Array (MESA)

Dynovas Motorless Expandable Solar Array (MESA) system provides a novel solution that specifically addresses NASAs call for technologies enabling structural and mechanical innovations for a 50-kW-class solar array that can be relocated and deployed at least 5 times. The system is designed for an efficiency of 75 W/kg and a volume efficiency 22 kW/m3. This solution was developed based on previous technologies that have proven track record such as inflatables and bistable composites and new technologies for deployment and packaging that specifically address the unique mission requirements for large deployable solar arrays. The MESA system will be demonstrated at TRL 6 in Phase II via sub/full scale operation of key elements of the system, including array deployment, tower erection and retraction, and solar tracking. All systems are designed for the lunar environment (-80 C to + 130 C, under vacuum), including lunar dust. The Phase I successfully fabricated a scale model of the MESA system, with demonstrations of several key technologies, such as, bistable booms, inflatables, tensioned guy wires and a collapsible tower. In Phase II, Dynovas will demonstrate the prototype MESA major sub-systems at TRL 6. The Phase II technical objectives will bridge the gap between the proven concept and readiness for flight testing opportunities. The Phase II objectives include: Full scale demonstrations of key subsystems, including: tower mechanism, self-tensioning guy wires, deployable solar arrays, and solar tracking. Structure and system packaging conceptual design package Empirical testing of the proof-of-concept to validate the technologies potential Progress reporting Final report detailing Phase I success, Phase II objectives, and path to commercialization The TRL 6 MESA System, delivered at the completion of Phase II, provides NASA and others a complete power generation system for use from 50 kW-300kW power stations. Dynovas’ Motorless Expandable Solar Array (MESA) system is a novel solution for a 50-kW-class solar array that can be relocated and deployed at least 5 times.  The system is designed for an efficiency of > 75 W/kg and a volume efficiency >22 kW/m3.  This solution was developed based on previous technologies that have proven track record such as inflatables and bistable composites and new technologies for deployment and packaging that specifically address the unique mission requirements for large deployable solar arrays.  The MESA system will be demonstrated at TRL 6 in Phase II via sub/full scale operation of key elements of the system, including array deployment, tower erection and retraction, and solar tracking.  All systems are designed for the lunar environment (-80 °C to + 130 °C, under vacuum), including lunar dust.  The Phase I successfully fabricated a scale model of the MESA system, with demonstrations of several key technologies, such as, bistable booms, inflatables, tensioned guy wires and a collapsible tower. The overall SBIR (Phase I, II, IIE, III) technical objectives of the MESA system include: Demonstration of deployable systems for inflatable solar arrays and tower. Demonstration of self-tensioning guy wire system. Demonstration of a motorless solar tracking system. Integrated control systems for the gas management, deployment and power generation systems. Demonstration of a Specific Packing Factor of 20kW/m3. Analysis of a 10-year lifetime in lunar environment Leverage heritage technologies including bistable composites, MAD Energy, inflatables, self-tensioning systems, and MELT array systems The Phase II technical objectives include: Full scale demonstrations of key subsystems, including: tower mechanism, self-tensioning guy wires, deployable solar arrays, and solar tracking. Structure and system packaging conceptual design package Empirical testing of the proof-of-concept to validate the technologies potential The Phase II deliverables include: Hardware demonstrations including: Bistable Inflatable Boom full-scale system demonstration Mechanical tower system demonstration Self-tensioning guy wire demonstration, including tower erection Solar tracking Relevant environment demonstration – Simulated gravity, lunar regolith Test Reports Meetings and Reporting Phase II Final Report Path forward for Phase III

The MESA system builds on near term NASA initiatives: Vertical Solar Array Technology (VSAT) project, Watts on the Moon Challenge, and Artemis Lunar Landings. The increased scale of MESA to 50 kW enables application to large power stations (300 kW+), habitats, recharging stations, and power substations. The overall scalability and redeployability also enables MESA to support smaller exploratory missions. The robust inflatable boom can also apply to surface conforming arrays for the moon and Mars exploration and habitation. The NASA specific lunar missions will also have parallel commercial efforts to which MESA applies. In addition to lunar exploration other dual use applications exist, including: refueling stations; orbiting debris removal; and terrestrial pop-up power and communications towers.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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