[meteorite-list] Here Comes the Sun: NASA Picks Solar Array System Development Proposals

[Ron Baalke]

Aug. 10, 2012

David E. Steitz 
Headquarters, Washington 
202-358-1730 
david.steitz at nasa.gov 

Chris Rink 
Langley Research Center, Hampton, Va. 
757-864-6786 
chris.rink at nasa.gov 

RELEASE: 12-270

HERE COMES THE SUN: NASA PICKS SOLAR ARRAY SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS

WASHINGTON -- NASA's Space Technology Program has selected Deployable 
Space Systems (DSS) of Goleta, Calif. and ATK Space Systems Inc., of 
Commerce, Calif., for contract negotiation to develop advanced solar 
array systems. High-power solar electric propulsion, where the power 
is generated with advanced solar array systems, is a key capability 
required for extending human presence throughout the solar system. 

The selected proposals offer innovative approaches to the development 
of next-generation, large-scale solar arrays and associated 
deployment mechanisms. These advanced solar arrays will drastically 
reduce weight and stowed volume when compared to current systems. 
They also will significantly improve efficiency and functionality of 
future systems that will produce hundreds of kilowatts of power. 
These advanced solar arrays could be used in future NASA human 
exploration and science missions, communications satellites and a 
majority of other future spacecraft applications. 

"The technology embodied in these proposals will greatly advance the 
boundaries of NASA's science and exploration capabilities," said 
Michael Gazarik, director of NASA's Space Technology Program at NASA 
Headquarters in Washington. "Our investment in this technology 
acknowledges that this technology is a priority for NASA's future 
missions, as reported recently by the National Research Council. Once 
matured through these ground tests, NASA hopes to test next 
generation solar array systems in space, opening the door for 
exploration of a near-Earth asteroid, Mars and beyond." 

This solicitation involved a competitive selection process and covers 
two acquisition phases. Under Phase 1, Deployable Space Systems and 
ATK Space Systems will develop their solar array system technology 
during the next 18 months. With successful completion of Phase 1 the 
two companies, as well as other offerors who can demonstrate a 
comparable degree of technical maturity, will compete for a Phase 2 
award to demonstrate their technologies in space. The intent of Phase 
2 is to prove flight readiness through an in-space demonstration of 
an advanced, modular and extendable solar array system. 

During Phase 1, Deployable Space Systems and ATK Space Systems also 
will design, analyze and test a scalable solar array system capable 
of generating more than 30kW of Power. In addition, the Phase 1 teams 
will identify the most critical technological risks of extending 
their concept to 250kW or greater power levels. 

Phase 1 awards range between approximately $5 million and $7 million. 
NASA's Game Changing Development Program Office, located at NASA's 
Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., sponsored this solicitation 
under Phase 1. NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland will manage 
the awarded contracts for the agency's Space Technology Program. 

NASA's Space Technology Program is innovating, developing, testing, 
and flying hardware for use in NASA's future science and exploration 
missions. NASA's technology investments provide cutting-edge 
solutions for our nation's future. 

For information about NASA's Game Changing Development Program, visit: 

http://go.usa.gov/RPS 

For more information about NASA's Space Technology Program, visit: 

http://www.nasa.gov/oct 
	
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