Thin-Film Fresnal Solar-Energy Reflector

A Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) contract between Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and United Applied Technologies has resulted in a thin-film Fresnal solar-energy reflector. An ultra-lightweight, thin-polymide-film deployable structure is integrated with ultraviolet radiation and atomic-oxygen-resistant thin-film-polymide Fresnal lenses and reflectors for use in solar thermal propulsion; large, next-generation space telescopes; and space solar power systems.

Operationally simple, offering both low cost and long life, the technology meets user needs for solar orbit transfer vehicles, electrical power generation, and high-temperature materials processing in space. In terms of other structures/reflectors, potential large-size capability and precision are not available elsewhere. Additional reflector applications include large antennas and microwave concentrators.

With the prototype demonstrated, and the technology trademarked as Inflatable Space Structures and Reflectors, negotiations are underway with Boeing for demonstrating concentrator technology on its commercial solar orbit transfer vehicle.

United Applied Technologies has received a NASA SBIR Phase III contract as a continuation of its Phase II efforts.