Engineers at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center worked with Jacobs Engineering and ManTech International to develop an inflatable solar array that could be used to provide power for missions in space.

The sample solar array that was tested was packaged into a small volume similar to what would be carried on a small spacecraft. When it was deployed, it inflated to capture energy from the sun. The solar arrays have thin photovoltaics/diodes. The system has no pointing mechanisms and few other parts that could potentially break.

Engineers measured the amounts of energy produced by the solar cells both before and after deployment in the laboratory. The folding and deployment did not damage the cells. The amount of energy produced remained consistent throughout the test. The solar array could provide an average of 1 kilowatt of power to a spacecraft in Earth orbit.

NASA engineers have analyzed many space vehicle concepts and concluded that most would benefit from lighter and more affordable sources of power. The inflatable solar array could provide power for both large and small spacecraft. Current research is focusing more on small satellites and spacecraft, which is driving the need for lighter and more efficient systems to provide power.

Engineers at NASA’s Advanced Concepts Office believe the inflatable solar array could benefit small spacecraft orbiting the Earth, three-unit cubesat missions, and larger probes designed to explore the outer planets. The system could be created on a larger scale for satellite missions and on a smaller scale for cubesat missions. The inflatable array could be used in conjunction with other technology, such as advanced solar electric propulsion, on missions into deep space.

The testing proved that the system worked in a laboratory and that the concept was feasible. The team plans to continue their work to make the system more efficient and to eventually build a prototype for flight testing.

The research was funded through the Marshall Center’s technology investment program.

A project known as SuSy, which was funded by the European Union, developed a system that can use inflatable balloons on ships to save them in the event of an accident. The engineers involved in the project turned the idea into a proof of concept last year. The idea was demonstrated on a model bottom of a medium-sized tanker in the Greek port of Chalkida.

Experts believe the balloons will improve maritime safety by reducing damage, preventing ships from sinking, allowing more time for evacuations, and preventing spills that could contaminate water and beaches.

The system uses existing technology in a new way. Kevlar-reinforced balloons can be installed anywhere on a ship. Good choices would be between double hulls and in ballast water tanks.

The devices used to inflate the balloons are based on technology used in submarine rescue systems and rapid blow-out devices originally used to launch satellites. Cartridges attached to the balloons hold potassium nitrate, which is used in gunpowder, as well as epoxy resin and ferric oxide, or rust. The gunpowder oxidizes the epoxy resin and causes the balloons to inflate, and the rust improves the reaction. Cool air must be provided from a second cartridge or a heat exchanger device before the gas enters the balloon to prevent the heat from the reaction from damaging the balloons or cargo.

The process needs to be further developed to control the gas exhaust and improve the material of the balloons. The balloons may present challenges related to ship construction and maintenance that will have to be addressed as the system is improved.