VERY LARGE AND MODULAR SOLAR ARRAYS FOR IN-ORBIT ROBOTIC ASSEMBLY - EXPRO+

Objective: To develop and manufacture a robotic testbed to demonstrate the modular solar arrays robotic assembly, and validate the functionality in a laboratory environment, validating solar array modules design, and mechanical/electrical interfaces.Description: The activity aim is to develop a very large and modular solar array that is suitable to power very large space structures and thatcan be assembled in orbit. The design of the solar array and process of manufacturing on-ground shall be developed to target the modularity but with emphasis in covering a very large area, as well as allowing in-orbit integration. These can be achieved by exploiting existing technologies or proposing novel concepts. Concentrated Photovoltaics can be also considered, particularly for large structures targeting Deep Space missions. The assembly of solar panels within in-orbit large space structures requires careful analysisof the panels mechanical and electrical interactions and interfaces, to enable the use of robots for interlinking and assembling the necessary infrastructure. This activity encompasses the following tasks: - Definition and design of modular solar arrays and themechanical and electrical interfaces interconnecting them, suitable for building large area space structures. Targeting to obtain solar arrays 2 or 4 times bigger than current state-of-the-art. - Development and manufacturing of a robotic testbed to demonstrate the modular solar arrays robotic assembly. - Prototyping of electrical and mechanical interfaces between panels and with the robotic systems. - Initial proof of concept demonstration, verify functionality in a laboratory environment, validating solar array modules design, and mechanical/electrical interfaces.