Roll-up satellite solar panels

What is a roll-out solar array?

Roll-Out Solar Arrays (ROSA) are an alternative to existing solar array technologies. These arrays are a compact design, more affordable, and offer autonomous capabilities that can enhance a wide spectrum of scientific and commercial missions, from low-Earth orbit all the way to interplanetary travel.

What is Rosa (roll out solar array)?

SSL is working closely with space agency researchers at NASA/GRC (Glenn Research Center) in Cleveland, and its contractor DSS to qualify ROSA to become an integral part of SSL's 1300 satellite platform product line. Figure 1: The ROSA (Roll Out Solar Array) technology undergoes testing (image credit: DSS (Deployable Space Systems), Inc.)

What is a transformational solar array?

The Transformational Solar Array uses Deployable Space System’s (DSS) Roll Out Solar Array (ROSA) as a structure and equips the array with very high efficiency SolAero Inverted Metamorphic (IMM) solar cells and reflective concentrators. Figure 1 is a photograph of a ROSA array without concentrators.

Can a satellite have multiple solar panels?

A satellite can either have one single solar panel or multiple panels, depending on the power need and satellite dimensions. All solar panels combined, including the deployment mechanisms to open them in orbit, are often referred to as the ‘solar array’ subsystem. To get the right solar panels for your satellite, you need to consider the following:

How do satellite solar panels work?

When the satellite is away from sunlight, for example in eclipse i.e. in the Earth’s shadow, these onboard batteries ensure continuous power to the spacecraft. The more surface a satellite solar panel has, the more sunlight it catches and thus the more electrical power it generates.

How can deep space missions benefit from a solar array?

Deep space missions can benefit by using the Roll Out Solar Array (ROSA) technology. Credits: Space Systems Loral (SSL) NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) worked with two private firms to develop advanced structures for high power solar arrays that are stronger, lighter, and package more compactly for launch.