Modular Multi-Threat Survivable Solar Array (PDRT08-034)

Military spacecraft need improved survivability to the multi-threat environment, including laser threats and nuclear environments. This program develops two hardened solar power technologies, a Survivable Planar Module (SPM) and a Survivable Concentrator Module (SCM) that use shielding and countermeasures to withstand threat environments while maintaining high specific power performance. The planar approach modularizes and retrofits existing qualified solar panel technology with innovative shielding that allows a significant increase in survivability while maintaining the extensive flight heritage which is critical to implementation of new spacecraft power generation technologies. The concentrator approach derives from previous technology development which has shown very high survivability and performance parameters and implements it with flight proven components. This Phase II SBIR effort continues threat engagement and thermal analysis that is used to demonstrate threat resistance while optimizing the design, develops modular concepts that provide ‘test-as-you-fly’ building blocks for larger panels, performs nuclear effects analysis, and builds test modules for irradiation with simulated laser threats.