Description: Atomic-6 proposes to develop a novel redeployable structure and deployment mechanism to enable relocatable 50-kW-class lightweight solar arrays near the lunar south pole for powering second-generation lunar base infrastructure. Atomic-6 has developed a proprietary composite manufacturing process that results in higher fiber to resin ratios and interlaminar shear strength than most pre-preg composites. The product of the Atomic-6 process is a composite part with higher specific strength and stiffness than most other composite manufacturing technologies. Atomic-6 applies our unique process to three space products that together comprise a unique and innovative solar array architecture proposed as a solution to NASA's H5.01 solicitation: Space Mast, Space Hinge, and Solar Backsheet. During Phase I, Atomic-6 plans to perform design and analysis to scale our solar array structure architecture to meet NASA's objectives defined in H5.01. The structure includes a twin mast, deployed from the yoke at the root of the array. Directionally stiffened solar blankets are connected to each other and the array frame by a shape memory, directionally stiffened hinge that runs along the full width of the blanket. The blanket is floated on top of the structure which self-tensions during deployment. Our architecture leverages the strengths of Z-fold panel solar blankets with reliable and redeployable roll out masts. This approach provides the benefits of both approaches and none of the weaknesses. Moreover, our key technologies have been produced at subscale and a pathway is defined to scale to the sizes NASA needs. Atomic-6 plans to implement a redeployer that rolls and unrolls Space Mast to deploy, retract, and redeploy the array structure. The architecture is a twin mast system that utilizes to coordinated redeployers to unwind and rewind the twin Space Mast. Atomic-6 plans to mount the array on a base similar in design to the proven of the SpaceX Starlink user terminal.

Benefits: NASA has an expressed need for redeployable structure and deployment mechanism to enable relocatable 50-kW-class lightweight solar arrays near the lunar south pole for powering second-generation lunar base infrastructure. As NASA works to build out and explore destinations between Earth, Moon, and Mars, large redeployable solar power will be a critical element of the technology portfolio. NASA has a long-time expressed need for high power to mass ratio solar arrays for large spacecraft and lunar and Mars bases. The proposed redeployable solar array architecture is readily scalable to power levels from 1kW up to 100kW or more, enabling the architecture, materials, and production processes to address a wide range of NASA exploration missions. Additionally, the proposed Space Mast and Space Hinge are extensible to other applications such as robotic arms for in-space servicing assembly and manufacturing (ISAM) capabilities. Further the fundamental composite materials are useful for space structures such as structural bulkheads and pressurized shells. Atomic-6 views redeployable space solar arrays as a gap in the market need and highly marketable to spacecraft manufacturers, especially those needing to perform rendezvous and proximity operations. As Atomic-6 works to develop fully redeployable arrays, we have identified several component products that we are already marketing to commercial customers: Space Mast, Space Hinge, and Solar Backsheet. As evidence that our commercialization strategy is working, Solar Backsheet demonstration units were recently purchased by a commercial space customer for qualification testing. Atomic-6 has ongoing solar array product discussions with leading users of space solar arrays including, but not limited to Sierra Space, Lockheed Martin, Airbus, Red Wire and Rocket Lab. In addition to in-space applications, Atomic-6 is in discussions with NASA's CLIPS providers such as Astrobotic and ISpace learning how we can help those providers deliver better products for NASA and their commercial customers. As our technology matures to qualification, we expect significant market uptake due to the improved performance of our space solar products compared to state-of-the-art. The Atomic-6 redeployable solar array architecture meets the expressed need of commercial space station providers, rendezvous and proximity operation spacecraft, emerging cargo spacecraft, and even LEO and GEO communication satellite customers. The Space Mast technology is of interest to commercial customers that want to deploy large antennas or have long robotic arms for ISAM missions. The Solar Backsheet technology is of interest to emerging low cost solar array manufacturers, one of which has already purchased a demonstration Solar Backsheet for qualification testing. Atomic-6 is actively and routinely engaging with commercial customers in all of these markets and is committed to ensuring a dual-use path for all new technology products proposed to solve the NASA H5.01 need.