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An update on SCARLET hardware development and flight programsSolar Concentrator Array with Refractive Linear Element Technology (SCARLET) is one of the first practical photovoltaic concentrator array technologies that offers a number of benefits for space applications (i.e. high array efficiency, protection from space radiation effects, a relatively light weight system, minimized plasma interactions, etc.) The line-focus concentrator concept, however, also offers two very important advantages: (1) low-cost mass production potential of the lens material; and (2) relaxation of precise array tracking requirements to only a single axis. These benefits offer unique capabilities to both commercial and government spacecraft users, specifically those interested in high radiation missions, such as MEO orbits, and electric-powered propulsion LEO-to-GEO orbit raising applications. SCARLET is an aggressive hardware development and flight validation program sponsored by the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) and NASA Lewis Research Center. Its intent is to bring technology to the level of performance and validation necessary for use by various government and commercial programs. The first phase of the SCARLET program culminated with the design, development and fabrication of a small concentrator array for flight on the METEOR satellite. This hardware will be the first in-space demonstration of concentrator technology at the 'array level' and will provide valuable in-orbit performance measurements. The METEOR satellite is currently planned for a September/October 1995 launch. The next phase of the program is the development of large array for use by one of the NASA New Millenium Program missions. This hardware will incorporate a number of the significant improvements over the basic METEOR design. This presentation will address the basic SCARLET technology, examine its benefits to users, and describe the expected improvements for future missions.
Document ID
19960007910
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Jones, P. Alan
(Able Engineering Co., Inc. Goleta, CA., United States)
Murphy, David M.
(Able Engineering Co., Inc. Goleta, CA., United States)
Piszczor, Michael F.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Allen, Douglas M.
(Schafer, W. J. Associates, Inc. North Olmsted, OH., United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1995
Publication Information
Publication: Proceedings of the 14th Space Photovoltaic Research and Technology Conference (SPRAT 14)
Subject Category
Energy Production And Conversion
Accession Number
96N15076
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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