Articulating Solar Panel Energy System (ASPEN)

In response to NASA’s need for a compact, low-cost and autonomous deployable solar array system to support Martian surface exploration, Roccor proposes to enhance the Mars Compact Telescoping Surface Array (CTSA) baseline design by incorporating an Articulating Solar Panel Energy System (ASPEN). The Mars CTSA was established in 2017 as the culmination of an extensive trade performed at NASA’s Langley Research Center with the goal to support human Mars exploration. The ASPEN system includes PV cells bonded to a thin membrane that is z-folded while stowed, and pulled out / tensioned when deployed. The ASPEN system replaces traditional membrane PV blankets with lightweight panels that can be articulated in unison much like “Venetian blinds”. This presence of articulation and resulting gaps between substrates offer unique advantages for operation on the Martian surface: 1) reduced cell density leading to increased performance in cost, W/kg and kW/m3, 2) implementation of array porosity and articulation control to reduce interaction with Martian wind and mitigate dust collection, and 3) modular design that enables mass production and ease of replacement.

The ASPEN technology is directly related to the ongoing development effort at the NASA Langley Research Center on the Mars Compact Telescoping Surface Array (CTSA) in support of human exploration of Mars. This effort will offer potential enhancements that will improve the baseline mission architecture.

The ASPEN technology enables rapid solar array pointing offering protection to harsh environments such as weather, debris or undesired electromagnetic radiation / directed energy. As such, this work is applicable to solar arrays deployed in harsh environments by both commercial and government defense agencies.

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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