Deployable Space Systems, Inc. — National Aeronautics and Space Administration SBIR Phase I: S3

Description

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">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, affordability, high specific power and lowest cost available for a solar array of its size.&nbsp; The proposed solar array system is a foldable composite panel solar array designed specifically for scale-up / high-power SEP applications and is targeted as a direct replacement for existing rigid panel solar arrays.&nbsp; The foldable panel array eliminates the costly honeycomb panels and hinge mechanisms associated with rigid panel array systems, providing a significant system level cost reduction. The innovative solar array consists of a highly-manufacturable single-piece thin laminated panel with solar cells bonded directly to the panel using standard cell laydown processes.&nbsp; The solar array folds upon itself for stowage in a flat-package configuration and is protected for launch with a proprietary packaging technique.&nbsp; Deployment is reliably achieved through a proprietary deployment approach that sequences and coordinates the deployment of each panel.&nbsp; When fully deployed the solar array conforms to an integrated flat planar surface (onto which the PV is mounted) with deep-sectioned cylindrical-shaped out-of-plane longitudinal edges and stiffeners that provide high stiffness/strength.&nbsp;</p>