Integrated Modular Blanket Assembly (IMBA) for Ultra-Thin Multijunction Photovoltaics

Future spacecraft missions demand solar arrays that can provide extremely-high specific power, ultra-low stowage volume, extremely-high power capability, high reliability, and affordability.  Current state-of-the-art optimized solar arrays rely on heavy composite honeycomb structures and are approaching performance plateaus (~100W/kg and ~13kW/m3).  Deployable Space Systems (DSS), in partnership with EMCORE, will focus the proposed SBIR program on the creation and optimization of an Integrated Modular Blanket Assembly (IMBA) for ultra-thin (~20-micron) 33% BOL efficient multijunction solar cells and interconnected strings/circuits.  DSSs proposed IMBA when coupled to an optimized structural platform (such as ATKs UltraFlex, DSSs Roll-Out Solar Array (ROSA), DSSs Tensioned Membrane Array (TMA), and/or other optimized flexible blanket solar array structures) will produce revolutionary array-system-level performance in terms of high specific power (>500 W/kg BOL), lightweight, high deployed stiffness, high deployed strength, compact stowage volume (>50 kW/m3 BOL), reliability, modularity, adaptability, affordability, and rapid commercial readiness.  When integrated to an optimized solar array structure, DSSs IMBA technology is projected to provide >1000 W/kg BOL at the IBMA blanket-level. The significance of the proposed effort will provide a revolutionary and positive performance impact to the end-user, and allow for the rapid insertion of this mission-enabling technology for future applications. BENEFIT: DSSs proposed Integrated Modular Blanket Assembly (IMBA) technology is widely applicable to all DoD, NASA, and commercial missions, as a direct replacement for current state-of-the-art flexible blanket solar arrays.  The total solar array system market is estimated at $500M to $750M annually.  The IMBA technology when coupled to an ultra-lightweight deployable structure has the potential to ultimately replace existing solar arrays currently used and become the industry workhorse.  The compelling performance benefits of the proposed IMBA technology such as: Ultra-lightweight (>1000 W/kg BOL at modular blanket assembly level and >500 W/kg at the array level, >10X lighter than rigid panel substrates),  compact stowage volume (allows for arrays to be stowed to >50 kW/m3 BOL, 10X more compact stowage than rigid panel arrays), affordability (modular construction allows for very low cost), and rapid reconfigure-ability will undoubtedly elevate the technologies status as mission-enabling for many applications.  Applicable missions include: LEO DoD surveillance, reconnaissance, communications and other critical payload/equipment satellites, LEO commercial mapping and critical payload/equipment satellites, MEO DoD satellites, GEO commercial communications and critical payload/equipment satellites, and GEO DoD communications and payload/equipment satellites.