Stretched lens array squarerigger (SLASR): A unique high-power solar array for exploration missions

Abstract

Over the past two years, development has begun on a unique high-power solar concentrator array called stretched lens array squarerigger (SLASR). SLASR marries the high electrical performance and low mass of the ENTECH stretched lens array (SLA) flexible blanket concentrator with the high structural performance and low mass of the ATK space squarerigger (SR) platform. SLASR offers unprecedented performance metrics for a space solar array of any type, including: • high power capacity (100 kW to multi-MW Class) • compact launch stowage (80–120 kW/m 3 ) • state of the art areal power density (300–400 W/m 2 ) • outstanding array-level specific power (300–1000 W/kg) • high-voltage operation at low insulation mass penalty (300–600 V) • excellent manufacturability using proven processes (cells and lenses at MWs/year) • improved radiation hardness at low shielding mass penalty (enabling solar electric propulsion space tugs through the radiation belts) • exceptional cost effectiveness (50–75 percent less than high-efficiency planar arrays) This paper describes SLASR technology, discusses SLASR developments to date, and outlines plans for SLASR technology maturation. The advantages of SLASR over other high-power solar array technologies are presented, including a comparison of key performance parameters for large-scale solar electric propulsion space tug missions.