Modular, Thin Film Solar Arrays for Operationally Responsive Spacecraft

Abstract

MicroSat Systems, Inc. (MSI) has developed a low cost, lightweight, solar array system using thin-film photovoltaic (TFPV) material to meet power generation needs for future responsive space missions. The Folded Integrated Thin Film Stiffener (FITS) is the deployment portion of the system. FITS is an integrated, passively deployed solar array structure designed specifically for TFPV, however a variety of photovoltaic (PV) options can be utilized by using the FITS deployment technology. FITS extends the boundaries of space PV systems by eliminating conventional rigid structures and mechanisms to maximize the lightweight and low stowage volume advantages of TFPV. FITS uses multifunctional, foldable components that store energy to provide deployment force and deployed stiffness, and have integrated power cabling to meet the demanding mass, cost and power requirements of programs like the TacSat series and anticipated future responsive space missions. MSI has completed the build and qualification test program for a two wing experimental solar array for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) TacSat-2 mission scheduled for launch in November of 2006. The array utilizes amorphous silicon (a-Si) thin-film photovoltaics on a 1-mil stainless steel substrate from United Solar Ovonic (USOC), integrated with MSIldquos patented FITS solar array deployment system. The experimental solar array will provide 120 W of additional power to the spacecraft in excess of the primary arrays, while providing valuable on-orbit performance data of the TFPV to the aerospace community for future mission planning. MSI is also under contract with AFRL to design, fabricate, and test a 380 W end of life (EOL) FITS wing focusing on the scalability and modularity of the FITS design.