Here Comes the Sun: NASA Picks Solar Array System Development Proposals

Aug. 10, 2012

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

Chris Rink
Langley Research Center, Hampton, Va.
757-864-6786
chris.rink@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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