Ultralightweight solar array technology

Conference · Tue Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1982

OSTI ID:5960725

Goldsmith, P; Kurland, R

Flat fold array technology is described, and performance for a range of missions and power levels is predicted. The array employs large area flat panel flexible substrates. The solar cells are adhesively bonded to a thin Kapton substrate to form individual panel assemblies. Any number of these panel assemblies may be joined together to make a blanket assembly. A container assembly protects each blanket assembly when stowed, and a tension guide wire assembly controls the flexible blanket shape when fully extended. Blanket extension and retraction are achieved through a motor powered lightweight trilongeron coilable lattice mast assembly. Ground and zero gravity flight tests on prototype array assemblies are successful.

• Research Organization: TRW Space Technology Labs., Redondo Beach, CA (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5960725
• Report Number(s): N-8314729; CONF-8205183-
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
140600 -- Solar Energy-- Photovoltaic Power Systems
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
ENGINEERING
EQUIPMENT
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
PERFORMANCE
POWER SUPPLIES
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLIES
TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION