Next generation ultraflex solar array for NASA's New Millennium Program Space Technology 8

ABLE Engineering, Inc. (ABLE), in collaboration with the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC), Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and EMCORE photovoltaics (EPV), has been selected for the NASA New Millennium Program (NMP) Space Technology 8 (ST8) project to develop and flight validate a state-of-the-art solar array system. The "next generation UltraFlex" (NGU) system is a highly-evolved and large-scaled version of the previously flight qualified Mars 01-Lander UltraFlex and employs many advanced technologies. The NGU system promises very high specific power (175 W/g-220 W/kg BOL), compact stowage volume (>33 kW/m/sup 3/), high reliability, scalability beyond 7 kW wing sizes, and operational capability for standard, high voltage, multi-A.U., and/or high temperature applications. A detailed overview of the ST8 NGU technology in-space validation program is presented. Key technology maturation activities performed (deployment kinematics, deployed dynamics, and power production/survivability) that demonstrate TRL 4+ achievement will be discussed. Completed design, development, analysis, and NGU hardware build (components, subsystems and systems), and test activities are presented. NGU hardware experimental test results will be presented and model correlations will be shown. Continued ST8 NGU technology development plans, maturation approach to increase readiness level (TRL 4+ to TRL 7/8), and planned flight experiment details are also described.