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Completed TRL 4 (started at 2, targeting 4)
This proposal describes the development of an innovative method for the fabrication of thin-film photovoltaic panels. Print-Assisted Photovoltaic Assembly, or PAPA, uses advanced additive electronics manufacturing to print flexible paneling components around commercial off the-shelf (COTS) solar cells. This builds a fully functional solar panel via an automated process.
(i) Near Term: solar panel cost reduction and enablement of large scale production. Especially enabling for high power (highly capable) small spacecraft and swarms of small spacecraft. (ii) Long Term: capability for in-space solar panel manufacturing. Especially enabling for long-duration crewed missions.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
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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