COMPACT AND HIGH PERFORMANCE SOLAR ARRAY EXPRO PLUS

Objective: To develop a compact and high-performance solar array with an increase in the power per stowed volume ratio, with an overarching goal to increase number of satellites per launch.Description: A compact solar array concept is essential for the mega-constellation market, which requires systems compatible with a multi-satellite launch scheme. For this reason, the solar array itself has to occupy a minimum volume when stowed, while maintaining a high performance figure. The main target is thus to find solutions toincrease the W/m3 figure of merit. This high compactness can be achieved by using flexible solar array technologies and/or fully flexible PVA (photovoltaic assembly) but these are not the only solutions. Therefore, to achieve the goal of this activity, any technology that can lead to an increase in the highest W/m3 is of interest. This activity encompasses the following tasks: - Identification of solar array concepts allowing for reaching power per volume figures of > 30 kW/m3 and respective building blocks- Mechanical analysis of identified solutions - Development and breadboarding of technology building blocks required to meet the identified solutions in the previous task - Engineering tests