Advancement of large deployable arrays is a critical requirement listed in NASA's technology roadmap. Power systems compromise nearly 30% of a spacecraft's mass on average, thus improvements in specific power (W/kg) will enable either a reduction in spacecraft mass or an increase in capabilities. Advanced arrays are required to enable scaling to larger array system up to 300 kW for interplanetary missions using solar electric power (SEP). A highly capable and inexpensive boom will enable these large, flexible substrate arrays.
Near term Air Force satellite missions require more capable solar arrays with more total power on the same platforms. Higher power solar arrays can leverage significant cost savings by enabling the GPS III Dual Launch variant, and they can overcome power challenges for Advanced EHF and classified missions. More powerful arrays must have an improved power to weight ratio, decreased stowage volume and increased deployed stiffness which are all enabled by the STELOC boom. Next-generation solar arrays are also intended for use on commercial geostationary satellites. Therefore, the requirements of these systems will be enveloped in the boom requirements considered during Phase I.
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