Long-Lived Solar Concentrator for Space Power

In the first phase of this SBIR, Long Lived Solar Concentrator for Space Power, NAS3-02031, L?Garde has focused on development of inflatably deployed rigidizable parabolic reflectors for space based solar power. L?Garde has proposed the novel approach of utilizing an inflated solar concentrator for the high precision requirements of solar propulsion, then rigidizing the reflector and jettisoning the canopy to provide long term solar concentration for space power generation at lower concentration levels. The concept of rigidizing a reflector for space solar concentration was demonstrated by rigidizing a 1m-diameter aluminum laminate reflector and achieving an excellent surface precision of 0.80 mm RMS. Through fabrication and test of high quality test articles, the relative merits of two reflector rigidization concepts, Sub Tg and Aluminum Laminate, were demonstrated and compared. L?Garde strongly recommends proceeding to a Phase II effort, and has developed a comprehensive analysis and test plan to build on the successes of Phase I. L?Garde?s unique mix of skills, experience, design tools, and test hardware will ensure the greatest chance of bringing this very important technology to fruition.