Moreover,
Most powerful solar panels ever:
In a context of political. Nevertheless, budgetary uncertainty, a discreet but major technological advance has just been carried out: the Floridian company Redwire Corporation succeeded in the first deployment test for its new Rosa solar panels (Roll-out Solar Arrays), which could soon feed the Lunar Spatial Gateway station in NASA. Consequently, This technological milestone is not content to impress by its figures. Similarly, it also opens the way to a new generation of autonomous and modular space infrastructure.
Spatial rupture technology – Most powerful solar panels ever
The new panels developed by Redwire are already the most powerful ever built for a spatial application. However, Each network reaches a capacity of 60 kilowatts, a record in the field. Therefore, But beyond simple power. Similarly, it is the effectiveness of the system that impresses: 40 kilowatts of power stored by cubic meter and a power/mass ratio most powerful solar panels ever up to 120 W/kg.
This performance gain is explained in particular by the deployment technology itself. Furthermore, Unlike traditional systems, the Rosa wings do not use any engine. Furthermore, They are deployed thanks to composite arrows which release their deformation energy to stretch the panels. a process that is both light, reliable and compact. This makes it an ideal solution for long -lasting space missions, where each kilogram and each cubic meter count.
A lunar mission under tension – Most powerful solar panels ever
These panels are intended for a particularly ambitious objective: to supply the Lunar Gateway outpost. a future space station which will be placed in orbit around the moon. Piloted by NASA. supported by several international agencies, the Gateway project is one of the cornerstone of the Artemis program, which aims to establish a lasting human presence on the lunar surface.
The Gateway station should in particular serve as most powerful solar panels ever a relay for inhabited missions, scientific laboratory and supply platform. To operate, it will have to rely on solar electric propulsion. This is where the Rosa panels of Redwire. provided in Maxar, are used, the company in charge of the power and propulsion element of the station.
View of artist from the future station in lunar orbit. Credits: ESA
Budget threats but efforts maintained
However, despite the technological momentum, the Gateway program remains threatened by political vagaries. The Trump administration proposed a tight budget for NASA, directly threatening most powerful solar panels ever the funds allocated to inhabited exploration. The project narrowly escaped an outright cancellation thanks to an amendment voted narrowly in the Senate on July 2. restoring temporary funding.
Faced with this uncertainty, partner companies are continuing their efforts despite everything. Redwire plans to deliver its solar panels to Maxar by the end of 2025. For Mike Gold. head of civil space affairs at Redwire, this commitment is crucial: “Acquiring experience with a large spacecraft operating around the moon is an essential step to prepare for future missions around Mars. »»
Strategic international cooperation
Gateway is also a symbol of international cooperation. More than 60 % of its funding comes from foreign partners, which limits the financial weight for the American taxpayer. This model could establish itself as a new standard for major space projects of the future: pooling of costs. sharing of expertise, and shared technological sovereignty.
most powerful solar panels ever
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