Session
Weekday Session 1: Advanced Technologies I
Location
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Abstract
The rapid growth of the capabilities of small satellites have sparked the need for high-power deployable solar arrays. PowerCube addresses this need by proposing a unique solution that can generate up to 100W from a 1U stowed volume. At the core of this design is an innovative origami-inspired architecture, combined with advanced dual-matrix composite materials, to achieve excellent packaging efficiency and self-deployment capabilities. This paper provides an overview of the design of the system and presents the key analyses and breadboarding activities that supported its development. The next milestones in the ESA-funded PowerCube project are discussed, focusing on its qualification campaign. The paper is concluded by an overview of the PowerSat IOD mission, which will demonstrate a high-power 3U satellite, powered by the PowerCube solar array.
PowerCube: Design and Development of a 100 W Origami-Inspired Deployable Solar Array for NanoSatellites
Utah State University, Logan, UT
The rapid growth of the capabilities of small satellites have sparked the need for high-power deployable solar arrays. PowerCube addresses this need by proposing a unique solution that can generate up to 100W from a 1U stowed volume. At the core of this design is an innovative origami-inspired architecture, combined with advanced dual-matrix composite materials, to achieve excellent packaging efficiency and self-deployment capabilities. This paper provides an overview of the design of the system and presents the key analyses and breadboarding activities that supported its development. The next milestones in the ESA-funded PowerCube project are discussed, focusing on its qualification campaign. The paper is concluded by an overview of the PowerSat IOD mission, which will demonstrate a high-power 3U satellite, powered by the PowerCube solar array.
