Mass-Optimized UltraFlex Solar Array with Integrated IMM Cell Flexible Blanket, Phase I

Deployable Space Systems (DSS), in partnership with ATK Space and EMCORE, will focus the proposed SBIR program on the optimization and design development of the most promising advanced space photovoltaic subsystem now available: EMCORE's ultra-thin 33% BOL-efficient Inverted Metamorphic Multijunction (IMM) solar cell that is interconnected and integrated onto an advanced flexible blanket; specifically for implementation on the lightest solar array structural system currently in use, ATK's UltraFlex. The proposed innovative and synergistic solutions will produce a near-term, low-risk solar array system that provides breakthrough performance in terms of highest specific power (>500 W/kg BOL), light weight, scalability to large (>15 kW) wing sizes, high deployed stiffness, high deployed strength, compact stowage volume (>50 kW/m3 BOL), high voltage operation capability, reliability, affordability, and rapid commercial readiness. The proposed effort will focus on increasing the design fidelity (TRL) of promising IMM-integrated onto UltraFlex blanket solutions configured to meet key high-voltage SEP / deep space science mission requirements. The development of feasible ultra-lightweight integrated IMM PV UltraFlex solar array technology will enable future missions, including near-to-medium term NASA Discovery and New Frontiers-class interplanetary, planetary orbital, comet rendezvous and Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) science missions as well as future Orion/CEV Lunar sortie missions. More »