Proposed is a lightweight PV array module architecture with up to or beyond 2500 M2 surface area autonomously and robustly deployable in a gravitational field from stowage that is eminently…

This contract, awarded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to Tentguild Engineering Co., is for the development of a lightweight, deployable photovoltaic (PV) array module architecture designed for Mars applications. The proposed system features a toroidal storage configuration that can encircle and integrate with various space transport and surface mission systems. Key requirements include modular or large-unit design, self-cleaning and dust mitigation, tilt functionality, transportability, and retractability. The $122,680.00 Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract is a firm-fixed-price purchase order, with the work to be performed in Boulder, Colorado.

Proposed is a lightweight PV array module architecture with up to or beyond 2500 M2 surface area autonomously and robustly deployable in a gravitational field from stowage that is eminently streamlined for integration with space transport and surface mission systems. Supported via simple architectural features are highly prioritized mars application objectives including modular or single large-unit use, self-cleaning and dust abutment, easy operation including tilt, transportability, robust tolerance for thermal and dimensional perturbations, and retractability. Integration with space transport systems is achieved via toroidal storage that can be designed to encircle any, large or small, core equipment such as a lander or habitat unit or a transportable power module, and seamlessly fits into launch vehicle payload envelopes. Similar to the recently developed wrapped array concept, rolled in the belt package are support ribs with the surface sectors folded between them; the PV cells are mounted on the latter. (the ribs concurrently emerge from the package straight and, diverging outward, unfold the sheet sectors.) when deployed, the PV strips, with gentle cross-slopes, are suspended from the ribs with a sagging/slack cable system that renders the design environmentally robust and permits self-cleaning via the wind effects themselves. Rib strength is boosted by cable support, analogous to mature crane JIB support technology.