Foldable Compactly Stowable Extremely High Power Solar Array System

Deployable Space Systems, Inc. (DSS) has developed a high performance solar array system that has game-changing performance metrics in terms of ultra-compact stowage volume and extremely high specific power. The embodiment is a tensioned membrane blanket solar array that stows very compactly by folding, where it's total stowed height is only half the width of the deployed array, alleviating any stowed height restrictions and allowing for the packaging of enormous solar arrays within standard launch vehicle fairings. This innovation of extremely compact stowed packaging allows for much higher power to be packaged into a given stowed envelope, enabling significantly higher powered NASA/Non-NASA missions, and particularly enabling missions where stowed volumes are significantly constrained. The technology is also well suited for very large (extremely high power) SEP and non-SEP solar array systems where stowed packaging the greatest amount of power within a given enveloped is demanded. The proposed solar array technology innovation is reliable and leverages proven heritage components, materials, and approaches to provide very low risk implementation for the end-user. The proposed technology will produce revolutionary array-system-level performance in terms of ultra-compact stowage volume, high specific power, lightweight, reliability, modularity, adaptability, and affordability. The proposed technology also has many rapid commercial infusion paths to help maximize NASA's ROI.

NASA space applications are comprised of practically all Exploration, Space Science, Earth Science, Planetary Surface, and other missions that require affordable high-efficiency photovoltaic power production through of an ultra-lightweight, ultra-compact stowage, and highly-modular solar array system. The technology is particularly suited for advanced spacecraft that require high power / high voltage solar array arrays that require game-changing compact stowed packaging. The technology is suitable for NASA LEO, MEO & GEO, and interplanetary missions. The technology is also well suited for applications requiring scalability/modularity, operability within high radiation environments, high voltage operation, and operation in LILT and HIHT environments.

Non-NASA space applications are comprised of practically all missions that require affordable high-efficiency photovoltaic power production through deployment of an ultra-lightweight, ultra-compact stowage, and highly-modular solar array system. Potential non-NASA commercial and DoD applications span a broad range of high voltage/power applications that demand ultra-compact stowage. The technology is suitable for non-NASA LEO, MEO & GEO missions. The technology is particularly suited for missions that require game-changing performance in terms of affordability, ultra-lightweight and compact stowage volume.

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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