Mass-Optimized UltraFlex Solar Array with Integrated IMM Cell Flexible Blanket

Deployable Space Systems (DSS), in partnership with ATK Space and EMCORE, will focus the proposed SBIR program on the optimization and design development of the most promising advanced space photovoltaic subsystem now available: EMCORE's ultra-thin 33% BOL-efficient Inverted Metamorphic Multijunction (IMM) solar cell that is interconnected and integrated onto an advanced flexible blanket; specifically for implementation on the lightest solar array structural system currently in use, ATK's UltraFlex. The proposed innovative and synergistic solutions will produce a near-term, low-risk solar array system that provides breakthrough performance in terms of highest specific power (>500 W/kg BOL), light weight, scalability to large (>15 kW) wing sizes, high deployed stiffness, high deployed strength, compact stowage volume (>50 kW/m3 BOL), high voltage operation capability, reliability, affordability, and rapid commercial readiness. The proposed effort will focus on increasing the design fidelity (TRL) of promising IMM-integrated onto UltraFlex blanket solutions configured to meet key high-voltage SEP / deep space science mission requirements. The development of feasible ultra-lightweight integrated IMM PV UltraFlex solar array technology will enable future missions, including near-to-medium term NASA Discovery and New Frontiers-class interplanetary, planetary orbital, comet rendezvous and Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) science missions as well as future Orion/CEV Lunar sortie missions.

A mass-optimized UltraFlex solar array with integrated IMM cell flexible blanket is widely applicable to all future non-NASA space missions (including DoD and commercial missions), and is a direct replacement to current-state-of-the-art. IMM-on-UltraFlex technologies are mission-enabling for high voltage, high power and constrained-volume launch vehicle packaging applications. Additionally, because of its inherent light weight and deployed stiffness/strength capability, the IMM UltraFlex is ideal for rapid-maneuvering surveillance satellite applications (can more weight-efficiently take high-G accelerations). Additionally, the next-generation of GEO spacecraft could be optimally designed to take advantage of IMM UltraFlex's high stiffness/strength to allow the arrays to remain deployed during transfer orbit burns (generating full power) and greatly reducing spacecraft ACS requirements (>10X deployed stiffness). Applicable non-NASA space missions include: LEO surveillance, reconnaissance, communications and other critical payload/equipment satellites, LEO commercial mapping and critical payload/equipment satellites, GEO commercial communications and critical payload/equipment satellites, and GEO DoD communications and payload/equipment satellites.

A mass-optimized UltraFlex solar array with integrated IMM cell flexible blanket is applicable to all future NASA Space Science, Earth Science, and Exploration Initiative missions as a direct replacement to current-state-of-the-art. The IMM-optimized UltraFlex is the mission-enabling solar array system solution for near-to-medium term NASA Discovery, Flagship Outer Planets and New Frontiers-class science mission planners requiring high BOL power (scalability), exceptional stowed packaging efficiency (spacecraft / launch vehicle flexibility), high voltage design capability and highest specific power; especially as applied to interplanetary, comet rendezvous and Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) science missions. The proposed innovative solutions will produce a near-term and low-risk solar array system that can also significantly benefit all other NASA LEO, GEO, planetary or celestial-body Lander, planetary orbiter, and/or Deep Space applications, through weight, compact stowed volume and cost savings. DSS's proposed program plan, which includes collaboration and technology infusion support, will allow rapid commercialization of these innovative technologies.

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