50kW Pneumatic Relocatable Solar Array (PRSA)

NASA developed a state-of-the-art scalable conceptual design of a high-performance 60kW/m3 deployable solar array with very low mass, compact stowage, and reliable deployment, called the Compact Telescoping Array (CTA). The CTA consists of a slender telescoping mast that deploys vertically and supports a large area flexible photovoltaic array, or communications / navigation systems. A retractable and relocatable (5-10x) CTA configuration was developed by NASA for use in lunar gravity at the south pole to harvest the sun’s energy and generate power to support activities in and near Permanently Shaded regions (PSRs) where water-ice is present. This program is building upon NASA concepts to establish a 50kW class Pneumatic Relocatable Solar Array (PRSA) system design that leverages simple mechanical systems to create an extremely robust lightweight system. Pneumatic deployment of telescoping masts is commonplace in terrestrial military and commercial applications that operate in austere environments. High modulus carbon-epoxy tubes will be designed and fitted with a bladder to facilitate simple deployment and retraction requiring very little power or complex mechanical systems to operate. The automatically locking mast sections will be depressurized between relocation events and are not reliant on pressure maintenance for structural rigidity. The PRSA mast uses robust cryogenically capable materials and can be deployed from a PSR and can function in cryogenic cold (-213C) and can withstand constant exposure to lunar dust over its >10-year life. Mast scaling will be studied using added features that facilitate the fabrication of extremely tall towers (100+m) or extensions above the PRSA array. The system design will be matured, supported by analysis, and a demonstration mast will be fabricated and tested in preparation for detailed development and transition into operation.