Lightweight Solar Array Structure for Thin Multijunction Solar Cells

Future military and commercial spacecraft missions are driving the need for power generation systems that can provide extremely high specific power (W/kg), ultra-low stowage volume (kW/m3), 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). The recent technology development of high-efficiency ultra-thin multijunction solar cells (~20um thickness) with projected 33% efficiency allows for a dramatic optimization of the deployable solar array structural system. Ultra-thin multijunction solar cells when combined with an appropriately optimized deployable structure promises to produce a solar array system that provides specific power in excess of 500 W/kg and stowed packaging efficiency greater than 40 kW/m3. The proposed Phase 1 effort will establish concept feasibility of an innovative tensioned membrane solar array system structure and increase its technology readiness level for future development efforts. The tensioned membrane solar array system provides significant performance improvements over current state-of-the-art solar array technologies and enables future mission applications. BENEFIT: The proposed Tensioned Membrane solar array promises to provide high specific power, compact stowage volume, high reliability, and affordability when compared to current state-of-the-art systems. The discriminating performance will enable future missions. The proposed technology has the potential to ultimately replace existing solar array systems currently used for most Military, civilian, and commercial applications. The total solar array system market is estimated at $500M to $750M annually, yielding a high return on investment for commercial infusion of the proposed technology. In addition to the aforementioned tangible performance benefits the reduction in solar array mass and stowage volume will reduce launch costs, minimize satellite dynamics/controls overhead, and enhance orbital maneuvering capabilities. These intangible benefits will provide affordability and improved capabilities for future high power missions.