Inflatable Rigidizable Solar Array for Small Satellites

Abstract

With today's high launch costs, and tightening launch opportunities, low mass, cost, and packaged volume can determine the mission feasibility. L'Garde has developed the Inflatable Torus Solar Array Technology (ITSAT) to supply power to the growing fleet of small satellites in the 1kW class making forays into the space market. The ITSAT configuration with low mass and stowage volume and the inherent reliability of inflatably deployed structures is an excellent solution for these low power applications. The ITSAT is able to provide power densities more typical of a much larger system, despite its small scale. Utilizing L Garde s next-generation stretched aluminum inflatable rigidizable tube technology, and Northrop Grumman s new polymer coverglass photovoltaic cell technology, power densities as high as 105 watts/kg can be achieved for a 0.5kW class array. Further, the packaging efficiency inherent in inflatable structures allows the complete system to be packaged in 0.04 m3 for a packaging density of 20kw/m3. L Garde s proto-flight unit, utilizing older technology 13.8% cells, is achieving 73W/kg, a production system with the same cells and upgraded components would achieve a power density of 93W/kg. However, when this lightweight structure is integrated with a competitive 28% efficient blanket the power density would rise to a very competitive 109W/kg.