A new generation of spacecraft technology is unfolding in low Earth orbit, promising to significantly enhance the capabilities of small satellites for deep-space exploration. This novel system, a lightweight and deployable solar array, is designed to provide more electrical power in a smaller package, addressing a critical limitation for ambitious missions beyond our planet. The technology, known as the Lightweight Integrated Solar Array and anTenna (LISA-T), combines power generation and communication capabilities into a single, compact unit.
The successful deployment and operation of this technology could pave the way for a new era of small spacecraft missions, enabling them to travel farther and collect more data than ever before. For years, the power available to small satellites has been constrained by the size and weight of their solar arrays. This new approach, which utilizes thin-film solar cells and a unique “petal” design, offers a solution that is both three times more power-efficient and significantly lighter than current technologies. The in-orbit demonstration of this system is a crucial step in validating its performance and survivability in the harsh environment of space.
A New Generation of Solar Arrays
The demand for more power on spacecraft has been a constant challenge for engineers. As missions become more ambitious, the need for larger and more efficient solar arrays has grown. However, the size and mass of these arrays are limited by the launch vehicle’s capacity. Traditional solar arrays use rigid honeycomb panels, which have reached their practical limits in terms of power-to-weight efficiency, at about 60 watts per kilogram. To overcome this barrier, researchers have been developing new technologies that are lighter, more compact, and more powerful. One of the most promising of these is the use of flexible, thin-film solar cells. These cells can be stowed in a much smaller volume than rigid panels and offer a significantly higher power-to-mass ratio.
The LISA-T technology is at the forefront of this new generation of solar arrays. It is a super-compact, stowable, thin-film solar array that, when fully deployed, offers both power generation and communication capabilities. This dual-functionality is a key innovation, as it further reduces the mass and complexity of the spacecraft. The thin-film arrays are expected to vastly improve power generation and communication capabilities for a wide range of mission applications. The technology is not just an incremental improvement; it represents a fundamental shift in how small spacecraft can be powered and utilized in space.
Innovative Design and Deployment
The design of the LISA-T system is a marvel of engineering, featuring a central boom that supports four “petals” of solar arrays. This design allows the array to be stowed in a very compact configuration for launch and then deployed to its full size in orbit. The deployment process is a carefully choreographed sequence of events, starting with the release of the central boom, which pushes the stowed petals away from the spacecraft. Once the boom is fully extended, the four petals unfold, revealing the thin-film solar arrays. This deployment mechanism is a critical part of the technology, and its successful operation in space is a primary objective of the current mission.
The deployment of such a large, flexible structure in space presents numerous challenges. The materials must be able to withstand the extreme temperatures and radiation of space, and the deployment mechanism must be reliable and precise. To address these challenges, the LISA-T team has utilized advanced materials and technologies, including Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) for the deployment hinges. SMAs are materials that can “remember” their original shape and return to it when heated, providing a controlled, low-shock deployment. This is a significant improvement over traditional pyrotechnic deployment systems, which can create shock and contaminants that may damage sensitive instruments.
Pushing the Boundaries of Small Spacecraft
Small spacecraft, also known as smallsats, have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their lower cost and faster development times. However, their small size has traditionally limited their capabilities, particularly for deep-space missions. The limited power available from small solar arrays has restricted the types of instruments and propulsion systems that can be used on these spacecraft. The LISA-T technology has the potential to change this paradigm by providing smallsats with the power they need to undertake more ambitious missions. With three times the power per mass and volume allocation of current solar arrays, LISA-T will enable small spacecraft to travel farther into deep space and perform more complex scientific observations.
The increased power will allow for the use of more sophisticated scientific instruments, advanced communication systems, and even electric propulsion systems. This will open up new possibilities for deep-space exploration, from missions to the outer planets to the study of asteroids and comets. The ability to use smallsats for these missions will also reduce the overall cost of space exploration, allowing for more frequent and diverse missions. The LISA-T technology is not just about making smallsats more powerful; it is about democratizing access to deep space and enabling a new era of scientific discovery.
Mission and Collaboration
The in-orbit demonstration of the LISA-T technology is being conducted as part of the Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator-4 (PTD-4) mission. The PTD-4 spacecraft was launched into low Earth orbit and is hosting the LISA-T payload. The mission is managed by NASA’s Small Spacecraft Technology program, which is based at NASA’s Ames Research Center. The LISA-T technology itself was designed and built at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The PTD-4 spacecraft bus, named Triumph, was developed and built by Terran Orbital Corporation.
The mission team is currently working through the initial challenges of deploying the LISA-T’s central boom to its full extension. Once the boom is fully deployed, the team will proceed with unfolding the petals and beginning power generation and communication operations. The mission will monitor the performance and survivability of the thin-film solar array over a period of several months, collecting valuable data that will be used to validate the technology for future missions. The collaboration between NASA and its commercial partners is a key aspect of this mission, demonstrating a new model for technology development and demonstration in space.
Future Implications
The successful demonstration of the LISA-T technology will have far-reaching implications for the future of space exploration. By providing a scalable and high-performance power solution for small spacecraft, LISA-T will enable a new class of missions that were previously not possible. The technology could be used to power smallsats for a wide range of applications, from Earth observation and communication to deep-space science and exploration. The integrated antenna also opens up new possibilities for high-bandwidth communication with small spacecraft, which is essential for returning large amounts of data from deep-space missions.
The development of LISA-T is part of a broader effort to advance the capabilities of small spacecraft and make space exploration more accessible and affordable. As these technologies mature, we can expect to see a significant increase in the number and complexity of smallsat missions. This will lead to a new era of scientific discovery, as we are able to explore our solar system in greater detail and search for signs of life beyond Earth. The successful deployment and operation of LISA-T will be a major milestone in this journey, paving the way for a new generation of small but mighty spacecraft that will push the boundaries of exploration.