SBIR-STTR Award

Next Generation Silicon Based Solar Arrays for Space Stations and Other Permanent Space Infrastructure
Award last edited on: 10/10/2024

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
NASA
Total Award Amount
$999,941
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
4-Photo
Principal Investigator
Stanislau Herasimenka

Company Information

Solestial Inc (AKA: Regher Solar LLC)

7700 South River Parkway
Tempe, AZ 85284
   (520) 838-9404
   tech@solestial.com
   solestial.com
Location: Single
Congr. District: 04
County: Maricopa

Phase I

Contract Number: 80NSSC23PA194
Start Date: 1/12/2023    Completed: 7/11/2023
Phase I year
2023
Phase I Amount
$149,987
Solestial, Inc. (formerly Regher Solar) in collaboration with Opterus Research and Development, Inc. (Opterus) propose this SBIR Ignite project to develop a novel photovoltaic solar array technology for large-scale spacecraft and planetary surface infrastructure that can overcome size, cost and weight limitations of the existing solar array technologies, achieve >50 kWe scale, 200 W/kg specific power and 50 kW/m3 stowed volume efficiency while simultaneously having $40/W cost and >1, 000 MW manufacturing potential. The proposed innovation is based on integrating the next generation radiation hard and ultra-light silicon Solar Power Modules (SPMs) developed by Solestial with R-ROMA deployment system developed by Opterus. The proposed SBIR Ignite project will develop critical technologies required to integrate thin silicon SPMs with R-ROMA deployment system to achieve TRL 6 on a 1-5 kW solar array followed by transitioning to TRL 7, 8 and injection into commercial and NASA missions. Using the follow-on funding Solestial will be looking to build a full size 50 kWe solar array demonstrator and space test a 5 kW scaled model. Anticipated

Benefits:
NASA

Benefits:
The proposed technology will meet NASA goal of bringing to TRL 6 by 2030 50 kW-scale photovoltaic solar arrays, deployed vertically or horizontally, providing power at >200 V at 200 W/kg BOL and exhibiting no more than 10% degradation over ten years in the Lunar polar environment. Large scale arrays can also be used to power future science missions using solar electric propulsion as well as non-nuclear deep space missions. Non-NASA

Benefits:
50 kW-scale solar arrays are needed for commercial space stations and solar electric propulsion tugs. In addition to meeting 200 W/kg and 50 kW/m3 goals commercial customers are looking for at least 10X cost reduction compared to the state of practice. The proposed technology can deliver $40/W manufacturing cost making it the most cost effective solution on the market.

Phase II

Contract Number: 80NSSC23CA186
Start Date: 9/25/2023    Completed: 3/24/2025
Phase II year
2023
Phase II Amount
$849,954
Solestial, Inc. (formerly Regher Solar) in collaboration with Opterus Research and Development, Inc. (Opterus) propose this SBIR Ignite Phase 2 project to continue development of a novel photovoltaic solar array technology for large-scale spacecraft and planetary surface infrastructure that can overcome size, cost and weight limitations of the existing solar array technologies, achieve >50 kWe scale, 200 W/kg specific power and 50 kW/m3 stowed volume efficiency while simultaneously having $40/W cost and >1,000 MW manufacturing potential. The proposed innovation is based on the integration of the the next generation radiation hard and ultra-light silicon solar blankets developed by Solestial with R-ROMA deployment system developed by Opterus. The proposed Phase 2 project will focus on increasing the readiness of the blanket framing system - the key technology required to integrate thin silicon blankets with R-ROMA deployment system. A 500W framed blankets will be produced and tested to achieve TRL 6 followed by flying on a commercial spacecraft to achieve TRL 7. The proposed Phase 2 project will also develop a model and engineering drawings for a 15 kW solar array. Solestial will be offering a 15 kW array to commercial customers and will be looking to build a flight model using follow on funding after 2025. Finally, Solestial will be looking to build a full size 50 kWe solar array and fly it with commercial space station. Anticipated

Benefits:
Potential NASA Applications: The proposed technology will meet the NASA goal of bringing to TRL 6 by 2030 50 kW-scale photovoltaic solar arrays, deployed vertically or horizontally, providing power at >200 V at 200 W/kg BOL and exhibiting no more than 10% degradation over ten years in the Lunar polar environment. Large scale arrays can also be used to power future science missions using solar electric propulsion as well as non-nuclear deep space missions. Potential Non-NASA Applications: 50 kW-scale solar arrays are needed for commercial space stations and solar electric propulsion tugs. In addition to meeting 200 W/kg and 50 kW/m3 goals commercial customers are looking for at least 10X cost reduction compared to the state of practice. The proposed technology can deliver $40/W manufacturing cost making it the most cost effective solution on the market.