High-Performance Robust-and-Resilient Solar Array Technology

ABSTRACT: Deployable Space Systems, Inc. (DSS) has developed a multitude of robust and resilient next-generation high performance Resilient Solar Arrays (RSAs) that have game-changing advances in high temperature capability, man-made threat survivability, high specific power and compact stowage volume, and low cost. DSSs proposed RSA technologies promise to enhance/enable Air Force missions requiring operational robustness and resiliency.The substantial combination of advances of high temperature capability, natural and manmade threat survivability, extremely-compact stowed packaging, high specific power, and low cost will enable future missions requiring robustness and resiliency against unique threats and environments.The proposed RSA technologies range from strategically modified conventional solar arrays to extremely innovative systems that leverage proven heritage components, materials, processes and approaches to provide a very low risk end-user implementation.The proposed RSAs and proposed technology development path allow for rapid and realistic technology insertion.The proposed technology innovations will produce revolutionary array-system-level performance advancements in terms of robustness and high resiliency, increased array performance metrics, rapid commercial / technology infusion,Once successfully validated through the proposed Phase 1 & 2 programs, the proposed RSA technologies will provide substantial capability improvement over current state-of-the-art, and will be mission enabling for future Air Force applications.; BENEFIT: The proposed technology is widely applicable to all DoD and non-DoD missions as a direct replacement for current state-of-the-art.The technology has the potential to ultimately replace existing solar arrays currently used and become the industry workhorse.The compelling performance benefits of the proposed technology such as: High temperature survivability, robustness and resiliency, ultra-lightweight, high deployed stiffness, high deployed strength, compact stowage volume, reliability, affordability, and rapid commercial readiness will undoubtedly provide mission-enabling market discriminators for many applications.Applicable missions include: LEO DoD surveillance, reconnaissance, communications and other critical payload satellites, LEO commercial mapping and critical payload satellites, MEO DoD satellites, GEO commercial communications and critical payload satellites, GEO DoD communications and payload satellites, and deep space interplanetary/planetary satellites.The most important near-term market opportunities are emerging next-block GPS and MILSATCOM missions. The planned Phase 1 and Phase 2 efforts have strong potential to fulfill the AFRL SBIR goals of providing robustness, resiliency, high specific power, compact stowage volume, high deployed strength and stiffness, adaptability/scalability, affordability, and the proven infrastructure and team to successfully infuse readied technology for future missions.