From Imagination toward Reality: the Stretched Lens Array’s Journey to Mission Success
- Paper number
IAC-08.D1.5.2
- Author
Dr. Henry W. Brandhorst, Auburn University, United States
- Coauthor
Mrs. Julie Rodiek, Auburn University, United States
- Year
2008
- Abstract
Going from a concept in one’s imagination to mission success in today’s conservative space industry is a long and tedious process requiring intensive design, testing, and analysis. This presentation will describe the hurdles that must be overcome in order to get a new technology from the drawing board, through the laboratory, and to mission success. It will chronicle this process by using the Stretched Lens Array (SLA) photovoltaic concentrator as an example. The SLA developed by ENTECH, Inc. is an array that uses refractive concentrator technology to collect and convert solar energy into useful electricity with efficiencies of greater than 27 percent. It is durable, lightweight, cost effective, radiation resistant, capable of reliable high voltage operation, and is inherently designed to withstand electrostatic discharge. The module shown in Fig. 1 is the latest version of the design using ATK Space Systems’ SquareRigger Platform. This design leads to a specific power exceeding 300 W/kg at voltages exceeding 300 V. Terrestrial testing, experimental flight tests, potential missions, and missed opportunities will be discussed in an effort to show how to design a survivable space power system and get it flown. Reasons why new, more durable designs need to be flown for mission success will also be discussed. Satellite anomaly statistics will be shown documenting main failure modes. SLA system testing includes micrometeoroid bombardment, space environmental effects, extreme temperature cycling, radiation exposure on the lens material, and corona testing. All aspects of the SLA have tested durable to the space environment and the results will be presented. Past flight experiments with comparable SLA hardware will be covered including PASP+, SCARLET, and MISSE. Future flight tests include a validation experiment on TacSat IV as seen in Fig. 2. This next step in proving survivability will be described in detail. Future terrestrial testing efforts include a direct drive experiment with a Hall thruster with the goal of proving reliable operation of the Hall thruster from the high voltage concentrator array. Testing will include the addition of Stretched Lens Array hardware in the chamber at Auburn to measure plume impingement effects at various positions relative to the exhaust axis of the thruster. The schematic of the planned direct-driven HET and SLA test configuration can be seen in Fig. 3. This presentation will follow the conferences’ theme of “From Imagination to Reality.” It will document the challenges, successes, and future potential of the Stretched Lens Array.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.D1.5.2.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.