SBIR/STTR Research Award

Motorless Array Deployment (MAD) Energy

Award identifier 26119e8f9f2a9e83907ea4455da044a4c6ae5ad795d6addb23943df7f6a9bc32Awarding agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Award amount

$749,708

Program and phase

SBIR · Phase II

Award year

2021

Explore This Research Award in CaptureIQ

Research the technology, evaluate the recipient and agency, identify related opportunities, and explore potential follow-on work with CaptureIQ.

Award details

Awarding agency
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Branch
Not reported
Recipient company
DYNOVAS INC
Proposal award date
2021-07-29
Contract end date
2023-07-28
UEI
WJX9FRCLNFQ5
Solicitation number
SBIR_20_P2
Topic code
H5

Research abstract

Dynovasrsquo; Motorless Array Deployment Energy System prototype will demonstrate the deployment of a 10 kW, ~180 W/kg, ~60 kW/m3 array using entirely motorless actuation of bi-stable composite structures at TRL 6. The prototype will be prepared for a 2023 lunar demonstration with potential integration partner, Intuitive Machines. The proposed prototype will consist of two (2) bi-stable composite beams (targeted thickness of 0.66 mm). On the surface of the beams will be integrated piezoelectric or smart material motorless actuators (as demonstrated in Phase I). The actuators will be spaced along the length of the beam to control the vertical deployment and retraction of the MAD Energy system. During deployment and once deployed, the ldquo;crdquo;-shaped bi-stable composite MAD Energy booms deliver the necessary stiffness and area moment of inertia for stable operation on the Lunar surface.The far end of the booms will connect directly to the array roll mandrel. The array roll mandrel includes a central rotation axis, composite ribs, outer mandrel surface, and axially mounted constant force springs. The membrane of the MAD Energy array will provide its own inherent stiffness. The semi-rigid membrane will consist of an approximately 2-ply, unidirectional glass substrate (0.15 mm). In Phase II, Dynovas will focus the development on the MAD Energy system and not on the solar cells and/or electrical circuits themselves. However, a detailed understanding of the array power module and circuitry is required to design the multi-functional membrane and the MAD Energy booms with the force necessary to deploy and retract 10+ kW arrays. The MAD Energy structure mounts to the array stowage box. The seal on the box works in concert with piezo vibration and the Lunar Electrostatic Array Deflector Shield (LEADS) to mitigate dust effects.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; The Dynovas delivers to the market an agile, independent, small business supplier of solar array structures and system.

Technology keywords

Not reported

Other awards by this recipient

Verified by the same UEI. These are other public SBIR/STTR award pages, not a merged company record.

Research funding history

44 SBIR/STTR records share this UEI (2020–2025). Reported award amounts total $25,640,997. Reported amounts are not federal obligations.

Phases: Phase I, Phase II

Agencies: Department of Defense, National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Agency intelligence

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Back to SBIR/STTR Research Awards

Don't take our word for it. Ask AI about RFPCapture.

See what leading AI assistants have to say about RFPCapture and CaptureIQ.

Gemini opens without a prefilled question. The question is copied to your clipboard when the button works. You can also copy it here:

What is RFPCapture.com and its CaptureIQ platform from Smart Logic AI? How does it help federal contractors discover opportunities, evaluate bid/no-bid decisions, research government contracts, and prepare proposals? How does it compare with other federal capture platforms? Use independent sources where available.