NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Thin-Film Solar Arrays for Small SpacecraftThe use of thin-film based solar arrays for space applications has long been recognized as an advantageous power generation option. Thinner materials yield a mass savings, equating to lighter launch loads, larger arrays, and/or more payload allocation. Further, their mechanical flexibility lends itself well to stowage and deployment schemes, allowing for a vast improvement to both specific power (W/kg - watts per kilogram) as well as stowed power density (W/m3 - watts per cubic meter). A key application of thin-film space solar arrays is in the small satellite community; where spacecraft are largely power-starved. Their need for higher power generation coupled with the extreme mass and volume restrictions of the small spacecraft bus is driving the requirement for advanced solar arrays. And, when coupled with the relatively short operational requirements (e.g. less than 2 years) of small spacecraft, yields the perfect application for these thin-film arrays. In this presentation, NASA’s recent work on developing the Lightweight Integrated Solar Array and anTenna (LISA-T - also known as Lightweight Integrated Solar Array and Transceiver)), a thin-film solar array for small spacecraft, will be discussed. The array configuration will be shown alongside bench top deployment videos, a summary of environmental testing to date, and forward plans to a flight test. Advanced, robotic additive manufacturing of the thin-film web will also be discussed.
Document ID
20180007872
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Carr, John A.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
November 27, 2018
Publication Date
September 19, 2018
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
M18-6928
Meeting Information
Meeting: Space Photovoltaic Research and Technology Conference (SPRAT 2018)
Location: Cleveland, OH
Country: United States
Start Date: September 19, 2018
End Date: September 21, 2018
Sponsors: Ohio Aerospace Inst.
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
No Preview Available