High-Performance Elastically Self-Deployed Roll-Out Solar Array (ROSA), Phase I

Deployable Space Systems (DSS), in partnership with ATK Space and EMCORE, will focus the proposed SBIR program on the coupling of ultra-thin 33% BOL efficient multijunction solar cell flexible blanket technologies (EMCORE's IMM cell integrated to an advanced flexible blanket), to an ultra-lightweight elastically self-deployed roll-out solar array (ROSA) structural platform to produce a near-term and low-risk solar array system that provides revolutionary performance in terms of high specific power (>546 W/kg BOL), lightweight, high deployed stiffness, high deployed strength, compact stowage volume (>57 kW/m3 BOL), reliability, affordability, and rapid commercial readiness. The high-performance of an optimized ROSA solar array system with IMM technology represents incredible improvements over current state-of-the-art. The significance of the proposed effort will provide a revolutionary and positive performance impact to the end-user, and allow for the rapid insertion of this mission-enabling technology for future applications.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — 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.