High Power Platform for the Stretched Lens Array

The Stretched Lens Array SquareRigger (SLA-SR) solar array is based on the combination of two cutting edge technologies, the SquareRigger solar array structure and the SLA optics/PV-blanket assembly. The combined SLA-SR system produces an extremely lightweight (>330 W/kg BOL near term and ~500 W/kg BOL mid term), high efficiency, high power (10kW to 100kW+), high voltage (100VDC to 1000VDC) and low stowed volume (80 kW/m3 BOL near term and ~120 kW/m3 BOL mid term) solar array suitable for very high power applications. The concept feasibility of the SLA-SR system has been successfully demonstrated and has achieved a TRL 3 classification during the recently completed Phase 1 program. The primary technical objective of the proposed Phase 2 program is to increase the maturity of the SLA-SR technology to a TRL 5 classification. This will be achieved by producing a deployable 1-Bay SLA-SR engineering model (measuring approximately 9ft X 17ft) and demonstrating/validating its performance through ground tests. The successful completion of the proposed Phase 2 program will ready the ABLE SLA-SR system for use on advanced missions.