What types of spacecraft solar arrays does Sierra Space provide?

We offer scalable power systems including solar panels, deployable arrays, related mechanisms, and integrated electrical power solutions.

What is Sierra Space Surface Mount Technology?

An automated approach to solar-array assembly using surface-mount-capable solar cells and repeatable manufacturing methods to significantly reduce the lead-time of space power.

Does Sierra Space test solar arrays in-house?

Rigorous environmental, deployment, and electrical tests are performed depending on the size of the solar array and mission.

Power and Precision Systems

Space Solar Arrays and Power Systems

Scalable spacecraft power engineered around mission requirements, automated production, and environmental testing.

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Sierra Space solar array extended for spacecraft power generation

Automated assembly

Surface Mount Technology

We have developed an automated solar array manufacturing process using Surface Mount Technology (SMT) to significantly reduce the lead-time of space power. This patented technology enables an unprecedented improvement in watt density, reliability, and solar array lead-time. This technology results in a zero-touch labor solution and a significant improvement in overall solar array performance.

Sierra Space team member working on solar production equipment — A Sierra Space team member works on solar production equipment.

Integrated power

From Panel to Power System

Sierra Space solar-array deployment testing

Our engineering teams develop solar panels, deployable arrays, and associated hardware for satellite and spacecraft power generation. The portfolio includes solar-array drives, slip rings, hinges, hold-down mechanisms, and motor-control electronics. Engineering teams define, analyze, integrate, and test power systems around program requirements and can provide power ranges from watts to multiple kilowatts.

Qualification

Designed, Built, and Tested

Solar arrays undergo rigorous environmental, deployment, and electrical tests at Sierra Space. Depending on the size of the array, we perform in-house random and sine vibration, thermal vacuum, and thermal cycle testing. Before and after each test, solar arrays are subjected to a Large Area Pulsed Solar Simulator (LAPSS) to simulate the AM0 spectrum on a wide range of panel sizes. The test scope depends on the array and its mission requirements.

Test equipment inside Sierra Space’s Power Station facility — Test equipment at Sierra Space’s Power Station facility.

Configuration

Across Mission Environments

Body-mounted panels and deployable arrays provide different ways to integrate power generation into a spacecraft. Panel configuration, mechanisms, and testing are selected around the operating environment and mission needs.

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Questions

Space Solar Arrays FAQs

What types of spacecraft solar arrays does Sierra Space provide?: We offer scalable power systems including solar panels, deployable arrays, related mechanisms, and integrated electrical power solutions.
What is Sierra Space Surface Mount Technology?: An automated approach to solar-array assembly using surface-mount-capable solar cells and repeatable manufacturing methods to significantly reduce the lead-time of space power.
Does Sierra Space test solar arrays in-house?: Rigorous environmental, deployment, and electrical tests are performed depending on the size of the solar array and mission.