Tensioned Rollable Ultra-light Solar array System (TRUSS)

TRUSS is a structurally efficient solar array concept that utilizes a TRAC rollable boom and tension-stiffened structure to exceed the program requirements for very large solar arrays. TRAC provides simple strain-energy deployment with a constant cross section and constant strength along its length, improving the reliability and simplicity of array deployment. The tensioning cables allow the structure to achieve mass efficiency much improved over the government reference array (GRA). The roll-out deployment of the TRAC booms also simplifies the ground support structure needed for testing and qualification of full-size arrays, which will be animated to illustrate in-space and ground-based deployments.