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Lightweight Nanosatellite Deployable Array

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Army
Contract: W9113M-10-C-0011
Agency Tracking Number: A092-120-0380
Amount: $119,175.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: A09-120
Solicitation Number: 2009.2
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2009
Award Year: 2010
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2009-11-01
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2010-10-29
Small Business Information
11711 N. Creek Pkwy S., Suite D113
Bothell, WA 98011
United States
DUNS: 877425330
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Jeffrey Slostad
 President, CEO, & Chief Scientist
 (425) 486-0100
 slostad@tethers.com
Business Contact
 Robert Hoyt
Title: Chief Engineer
Phone: (425) 486-0100
Email: hoyt@tethers.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

We propose to develop a lightweight deployable array to enable nanosatellite-scale spacecraft to reliably deploy large-area solar arrays and antenna arrays to enable these small satellites to perform missions requiring high power and/or high gain communications. Although launch opportunities for smaller scale spacecraft are becoming much more common, the supporting subsystems required to utilize these options for anything more than a quick technology demonstration have proven to be challenging. The low powers and small antenna apertures currently available for nanosatellite scale systems restrict the mission utility of these platforms. Providing large deployable arrays for power and communications on small spacecraft is a challenging task, requiring specialized and refined techniques. We have identified two candidate structures for lightweight deployable arrays suitable for nanosatellite applications. Both concepts rely on familiar structural concepts, but incorporate significant modifications to enable their application to smaller scales. In the Phase I we will perform design and analysis to identify the option with the best balance of cost, mass, and performance. We will then build a full-scale proof-of-concept prototype to verify reliable deployment and mechanical performance.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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