16X Improvement in Satellite Power Production Efficiency and Mass Reduction

WildStar is developing a new type of solar cell that can be printed onto its thin film satellite antennas.  This technology has the potential to dramatically lower the weight of satellite power generation systems.  WildStar will perform further technical analysis of the feasibility of printing two types of solar generation technologies—one made of organic materials, another made of a variant copper indium gallium selenide—onto space qualified thin film substrates that are also utilized for its communications antenna system.  Specific Phase I objectives are: Characterize two solar technologies and their ability to be adapted to a suitable roll-to-roll mass production printing for the WildStar satellites. Determine specific performance metrics for thin film solar cells in a space environment and the set of tests to measure them. Produce sample units and perform specific lab space related tests to measure impact in performance of thin film solar panels under simulated space environment conditions, including radiation effects, thermal cycling, and vacuum testing.