Next Generation Silicon Based Solar Arrays for Space Stations and Other Permanent Space Infrastructure

Solestial, Inc. (formerly Regher Solar) in collaboration with Opterus Research and Development, Inc. (Opterus) propose this SBIR Ignite Phase 2 project to continue development of a novel photovoltaic solar array technology for large-scale spacecraft and planetary surface infrastructure that can overcome size, cost and weight limitations of the existing solar array technologies, achieve >50 kWe scale, 200 W/kg specific power and 50 kW/m3 stowed volume efficiency while simultaneously having $40/W cost and >1,000 MW manufacturing potential. The proposed innovation is based on the integration of the the next generation radiation hard and ultra-light silicon solar blankets developed by Solestial with R-ROMA deployment system developed by Opterus. The proposed Phase 2 project will focus on increasing the readiness of the blanket framing system - the key technology required to integrate thin silicon blankets with R-ROMA deployment system. A 500W framed blankets will be produced and tested to achieve TRL 6 followed by flying on a commercial spacecraft to achieve TRL 7. The proposed Phase 2 project will also develop a model and engineering drawings for a 15 kW solar array. Solestial will be offering a 15 kW array to commercial customers and will be looking to build a flight model using follow on funding after 2025. Finally, Solestial will be looking to build a full size 50 kWe solar array and fly it with commercial space station customers after 2027.

The proposed technology will meet NASA goal of bringing to TRL 6 by 2030 50 kW-scale photovoltaic solar arrays, deployed vertically or horizontally, providing power at >200 V at 200 W/kg BOL and exhibiting no more than 10% degradation over ten years in the Lunar polar environment. Large scale arrays can also be used to power future science missions using solar electric propulsion as well as non-nuclear deep space missions. 50 kW-scale solar arrays are needed for commercial space stations and solar electric propulsion tugs. In addition to meeting 200 W/kg and 50 kW/m3 goals commercial customers are looking for at least 10X cost reduction compared to the state of practice. The proposed technology can deliver $40/W manufacturing cost making it the most cost effective solution on the market.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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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