Suggested Searches

1 min read

Inflatable Solar Array Technology Packs Incredible Power In Small Package

A small canister held the folded solar array system. During testing, the doors and this structure inflated to form a rigid, fram
NASA engineers recently built and tested a large, inflatable solar array with the potential to provide affordable, lightweight power for spacecraft.

A small canister held the folded solar array system. During testing, the doors and this structure inflated to form a rigid, framework filled with solar cells. Sensors measured the performance of the deployment mechanism and the solar array before, during and after the testing in space systems laboratories at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

Image credit: NASA/MSFC