Scalable High-Efficiency Inflatably Deployed Rigidizable Solar Array

"With today's high launch costs and tightening launch opportunities, low payload mass, cost, and packaged volume can determine mission feasibility. L'Garde has developed the Inflatable Torus Solar Array Technology (ITSAT) to supply power to the growingfleet of small satellites in the 1kW class making forays into the space market. The ITSAT configuration with low mass, stowage volume, and the inherent reliability of inflatably deployed structures is an excellent solution for these low powerapplications. However, new technologies have been developed at L'Garde that could significantly enhance the already competitive technology by addressing two key areas; scalability and deployment control. Using new Sub Tg rigidization materialtechnologies and a novel new conical strut deployment technique we propose an enhanced configuration providing power densities in excess of 100 W/Kg, yet exhibiting improved deployment dynamics and allowing scale ups for more demanding missionapplications. To this end, L'Garde proposes to team with TRW, using their new lightweight cell radiation protection technology to further enhance this exciting technology. The result will be an ultra low mass and high efficiency solar array design able toenhance the effectiveness and lower the cost of future spacecraft. The potential benefits of the high-efficiency inflatable rigidizable solar array are immense. Almost every satellite, present, and in the near future, u