Simple Low-Cost High-Performance Unrollable Panel Structure Solar Array for SmallSats

ABSTRACT: Deployable Space Systems, Inc. (DSS) will focus the proposed SBIR program on coupling standard/advanced space-qualified high-efficiency multi-junction photovoltaics (PV) onto a simple innovative ultra-lightweight compactly-stowable elastically self-deployable panel/structure solar array system. The proposed technology, named Aladdin, will enable emerging missions and increase SmallSat operational capability. The Aladdin technology is ultra-simple and has been specifically designed to inherently provide lower risk, cost, mass, and stowage volume, allowing for dramatically increased operational capability for SmallSats. Aladdin repeatedly and elastically rolls-up in the stowed configuration occupying an ultra-compact cylindrical launch package, and then elastically deploys from its own strain/spring energy to an integrated extremely-stiff planar solar array structure. Aladdin employs high modularity and design simplicity allowing for ultra-affordability and reliability from 30W to 300W+ array/wing powers. Aladdin promises to provide revolutionary performance beyond current state-of-the-practice in terms of high specific power / lightweight (exceeding the 200 W/kg BOL AFRL goal), affordability (>30%-50% projected total cost savings depending on PV), broad modular scalability (30W to 300W+ array/wing sizes), high deployed stiffness (>1Hz deployed first mode frequency for largest wing/size), high deployed strength capability, compact stowage volume (>20-36 kW/m3 BOL), simplicity and high reliability, and operability in a 5-yr LEO or 15-yr GEO environment. BENEFIT: The proposed technology is applicable to all future DoD, NASA and commercial (including communications and earth observation) SmallSat missions as a direct replacement for existing technologies. The proposed technology promises to provide the DoD with a near-term and low-risk solar array system for SmallSat applications and will provide revolutionary performance beyond current state-of-the-practice in terms of high specific power / lightweight, affordability, broad/modular scalability, high deployed stiffness, high deployed strength, compact stowage volume, simplicity and high reliability, and operability in a 5-year LEO or 15-year GEO mission environment. The successfully developed technology will provide the end-user with mission-enabling benefits such as increased payload mass/volume capability, lower mission/spacecraft costs, and overall improved/enhanced SmallSat mission capability.