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Completed TRL 1 (started at 1, targeting 4)
This project aims to develop lightweight deployable solar panels and radiators that can be flown from high altitude balloon platforms. The size of a long-duration balloon (LDB) payload is limited by the envelope set by the balloon launch vehicle. By virtue of their need to either face the sun or face space, both solar panels and radiators are components which may first to encroach upon the allowable launch envelope.The deployable solar panels and radiators developed under this proposal will enable larger scientific payloads with more capability (e.g., larger collecting areas, higher power instrumentation) than is possible today.
This project will benefit future scientific balloon payloads by providing large solar arrays to generate power and efficient radiators to reject heat to space. Additionally, the technologies could be adopted for other applications that require lightweight and efficient heat exchangers.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 1) — 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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