SBIR/STTR
Ultra-Flexible Advanced Stiffness Truss for Large Solar Arrays, Phase II
Project Introduction
The main goal in Phase II will be to develop several prototypes of the Ultra-FAST boom that is needed as the Trunk beam in the 300 kW GRA Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP). The target bending strength requirement will be twice of the SRTM ADAMS truss (2 x 0.04 g). Also, with the help of our subcontractor, High Strain Dynamics, L.Garde plans to study the integration of U-FAST into a 300 kW solar array system. These goals will allow the success of NEO NASA mission in ~10 years. Therefore, we will update of the U-FAST design in order to obtain a 0.08g bending strength parameter for a 300kW solar array system. This will be possible by increasing (10-20) the number of longerons in the truss and having a 80% slenderness reduction in the longerons. Also, finite element analyses will be executed to study integration of U-FAST into a 300 kW solar array system. Including dynamic analysis for truss deployment reability and integrity; and truss static analysis for stiffness and strength in bending. Finally, fabrication and testing of three prototypes will be done to validate the finite element solution.
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Anticipated Benefits
Potential NASA Commercial Applications: L.Garde's deployable solar array will offer a novel strategy to package and deploy a solar array, demonstrate scalability, and meet NASA's requirements and desired size goals in the next 20 years. The U-FAST program goal is to design, develop and test an advanced lightweight truss design suitable to support large space-based solar arrays. Thus, our primary customer will be NASA or its prime aerospace contractors: Lockheed-Martin, Boeing, Raytheon, Northrop-Grumman, Ball Aerospace, ATK, etc. Although the number of truss structures that might be purchased from LGarde is not large, there are numerous space applications that could broaden this market. In addition to providing a deployable support structure for large solar arrays to power space electric propulsion, other applications exist. These include support structures for large-area solar sails to provide propulsion for deep space missions, such as space weather advanced warning, orbital debris removal at GEO, and deep space exploration. Another application for large space structures is in the design of sunshades for large space telescopes such as JWST. Space-based microwave radar and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) are mission areas of great interest to NASA, NOAA and organizations within the Defense Department (USAF, DARPA, NRO, Navy). LGarde anticipates strong interest in this technology from the aerospace community upon the successful completion of the NASA Phase II program.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Langley Research Center
(LaRC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Hampton, Virginia |
| L'Garde, Inc. | Supporting Organization | Industry | Tustin, California |
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Langley Research Center (LaRC)
Responsible Program:
- SBIR/STTR
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Project Duration
Start: May 2015
End: Mar 2017
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 4 |
| Current: | 6 |
| Estimated End: | 6 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TX12 Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing
- TX12.3 Mechanical Systems
- TX12.3.1 Deployables, Docking, and Interfaces
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