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High-Performance Elastically Self-Deployed Roll-Out Solar Array (ROSA)
Completed
TRL 6 (started at 5, targeting 6)
Description
Deployable Space Systems (DSS) has developed an ultra-lightweight elastically self-deployable roll-out solar array (ROSA) structural platform that when combined with ultra-thin 33% IMM PV or 29.5% standard ZTJ PV solar-cell flexible blanket technologies can produce a near-term and low-risk solar array system that provides revolutionary performance in terms of high specific power (>500 W/kg BOL with IMM & >225 W/kg with ZTJ), lightweight, high deployed stiffness, high deployed strength, compact stowage volume (>50 kW/m3 BOL), reliability, affordability, and rapid commercial readiness. ROSA's predicted performance metrics are incredible improvements over current state-of-the-art, and in many cases are mission-enabling for future applications. The ROSA technology innovation is applicable to practically all NASA and non-NASA missions as a direct replacement for current solar array technologies. The proposed Phase 2 program has been uniquely structured to methodically develop a feasible scaled-up ROSA solar array system specifically configured for NASA's Outer-Planets mission applications, collaboratively with all the technology stakeholders, and increase technology readiness to TRL 5/6. The successful completion of the proposed program will rapidly ready the mission-enabling ROSA solar array technology for commercial infusion into future programs.
Benefits
Potential non-NASA applications for DSS's ROSA solar array include practically all commercial and military missions as a direct replacement for classical state-of-the-practice solar array technologies. DSS's ROSA solar array is applicable for all LEO Orbital, MEO Orbital, GEO Orbital, fixed-terrestrial, and mobile-terrestrial applications/missions. These missions include, but are not limited to: Operational Responsive Space (ORS), Nano-Satellite, MILSATCOM, Space Based Radar, Solar Electric (SEP) Tugs, SBIRS, DARPA space and/or terrestrial applications, and Army mobile power applications.
Potential NASA applications for DSS's ROSA solar array include practically all missions as a direct replacement for classical state-of-the-practice solar array technologies. DSS's ROSA solar array is applicable for all LEO Orbital, GEO Orbital, Interplanetary, Deep Space, Outer-Planets, Lunar Surface, and Planetary Lander missions.
Details
| Technology area | Aerospace Power and Energy Storage > Power Generation and Energy Conversion > Photovoltaic Electrical Power |
| Program | Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer (SBIR/STTR) |
| Lead organization | Deployable Space Systems, Inc, Goleta, CA |
| Start date | 2010-02-11 |
| End date | 2013-02-10 |
Project contacts
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How to get involved
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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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