Developing a next generation high performance solar array with
significant reduction in size and weight will result in improved NASA
mission capabilities at lower cost.  Photovoltaic cell technology is
evolving rapidly to the point solar array structural and mechanical
systems do not fully optimize system level mass and volume performance
potential.  MMA Design LLC (MMA) proposes to develop a compact
deployable modular solar array concept with next generation cost and
performance improvements.  A solar array is proposed that is
mechanically simple while meeting the support requirements of currently
available solar cells, as well as future higher performance cells.  The
solar array decreases production and system costs through modularity and
simplicity, increases the power to stowed volume ratio (W/m3), and
increases specific power (W/kg), thus exceeding the performance of the
existing state-of-the-art (SOA) systems. MMA proposes to advance the SOA
in photovoltaic power systems by developing a Fan Deployed Modular High
Watts per Kilogram (FDM-HaWK) advanced solar array consisting of an
innovative fan deployed structure.  On-going research at MMA in
innovative and manufacturable solar array components, mechanisms and
deployable structures makes the proposed solar array feasible and lower
risk.  The proposed FDM-HaWK uses many identical modular solar array
panels in two-string configurations to reduce cell stringing and laydown
costs.  The significance to NASA of our innovative solution is the
reduction of solar array costs while producing over 300 watts per
kilogram (W/kg) with 32&amp;#37; efficient next generation solar cells in a 5.6
kW solar array wing.  Based on current projections for next generation
cell performance by Spectrolab, the proposed system will be capable of
producing over 350 W/kg by the year 2017.  From the perspective of
packaging efficiency, the FDM-HaWK will produce 51 kW/m3 with existing
qualified triple junction cells and 63 kW/m3 by the year 2017.