Coiled solar array, SWIRL, reaches next development stage

The current state of the art for solar array architecture is mainly based on rigid panels, like the ones we see on houses or in fields.

To improve performances of solar arrays, to extend their size, develop unusual shapes and make them more lightweight, ESA has several activities currently developing solar arrays on flexible panels.

One such ESA activity created a rolled up solar panel, called SWIRL, which has the unique element of providing very powerful solar arrays in a compact package suitable for multiple satellites to launch and modular options of unrolling the satellite only partially.

A new activity with GSTP and Thales Alenia Space, France, has developed this panel further through testing to mitigate the risks of this new architecture.

The activity was able to solve an issue with coiling the panel up and erosion tests showed little wearing away over time on the important elements.

The next step towards development is to test the engineering model for GEO and LEO satellite platforms.

GT17-137TIo closed in May 2021.