Solar Arrays
ATK Goleta
is the industry leader for design, development and production of a variety
of unique turn-key solar array systems. Major products include the PUMA
solar array, used on the Global Positioning System and Orbital’s Star-2 GEO
family satellites; the unique UltraFlex solar array for civil space programs
such as the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle and Mars Phoenix; Concentrator
systems; Electrostatically Clean and/or Magnetically Clean systems.
Planar Arrays
Our most common platform, the PUMA (Planar Unfolding Modular Array), is
a high heritage, rigid panel solar array scalable from 200 W to over 10
kW per wing suitable for small or large satellites. PUMA arrays benefit
from compatibility with all solar cell types, high recurring production
rates and interchangeable standard parts and designs. Many different
panel arrangements and standoff structure options are available for the
PUMA array.
UltraFlex
UltraFlex is an accordion-fanfold, flexible-blanket solar array comprising
interconnected triangular ultra-lightweight substrates (gores). During
deployment, the gores unfold and the array is tensioned to form a shallow
umbrella-shaped membrane structure. UltraFlex is compatible with all solar
cell technologies, including the ultra-lightweight IMM cells anticipated to
be ready for flight within the near future.
ATK invented and flight-qualified the UltraFlex solar array to provide a
leap forward in specific power (W/kg) and stowed power density (W/m3)
ahead of competing, state-of-the-art arrays. Using innovative packaging
and deployment methods, the UltraFlex wing stows to a much smaller
volume and footprint on the spacecraft. In addition, UltraFlex is
inherently stiff and strong in its deployed configuration, due to the
efficiency of the tensioned blanket, supported by the backbone formed by
the stowage panels. In many cases UltraFlex’s unique performance
characteristics have been key to a mission’s feasibility. UltraFlex
powered the successful Mars Phoenix Lander mission in 2008.
Concentrators
ATK is a leader in photovoltaic concentrator technologies, including the
successful demonstration of 7:1 refractive Fresnel concentrator technology
aboard NASA’s Deep Space 1, as well as the flight-tested CellSaver
reflective concentrator which functions at a 2:1 concentration for a direct
replacement of 50% of standard PV cells, allowing a significant mass and
cost reduction for virtually any solar array system.
Electrostatically Clean Solar Array Systems
ATK has provided electrostatically and magnetically clean
solar array panels for several spacecraft including the Themis constellation
and C/NOFS. These unique solar panels use a fully conductive surface to
provide less than 1 V of surface charging potential and less than 0.1 mA-m2
to prevent interference with scientific instruments.
Contact:
ATK-Goleta
600 Pine Ave.
Goleta, CA 93117
Phone: 805.685.2262
Fax: 805.685.1369
|
