Passively Deployed Lightweight Solar Array Structure for
Thinned-Multijunction Solar Cells Agency / Branch: DOD / USAF
Current deployable solar array systems are based on designs that
have been in existence for more than 30 years. In general, these
heritage designs can be divided into two classes: 1) hinged-
panel arrays, which are mechanically simple but mass
inefficient, and 2) tensioned-membrane arrays, which are
mechanically complex but mass efficient. Arguably, no deployable
solar array designs exist that are both mechanically simple and
mass efficient. Furthermore, the largest heritage systems (i.e.,
tensioned-membrane arrays) are limited to less than 15 kW of
total power and 50 W/kg of specific power. Higher power
generation capability (i.e., greater than 50 kW) with efficient
packaging (i.e., greater than 400 W/kg) is becoming an important
requirement for many future Air Force missions. GaAs-based
multi-junction solar cells can now be thinned (below 20 microns-
thick) in order to produce flexible solar