Multi-mission modular array

Abstract

A system for compact stowage and deployment of a flexible solar array includes a deployer unit and a blanket container for containing the flexible solar array. The deployer unit includes a frame, a closed-section collapsible mast for deploying and supporting the solar array, a mast stowage reel for supporting the mast in a collapsed stowed state, and an actuator to drive the mast from the stowed state to a deployed state. The frame has a first section extending along a vertical plane and a second section extending along a horizontal plane. The blanket container is pivotably coupled to the frame of the deployer unit. In a stowed state, the blanket container is oriented facing the second section of the frame. In a deployed state, the blanket container is oriented parallel to the vertical plane, and perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the mast.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A solar array comprising:
 a semi-conductive substrate blanket material;   a plurality of solar cells mounted to the semi-conductive substrate blanket material to form a solar power supply network; and   a series of circuit paths formed on the semi-conductive substrate blanket material for electrically connecting the solar cells together within the solar power supply network, wherein the semi-conductive substrate blanket material is configured to (1) dissipate current across the power supply network to minimize solar arcing and (2) isolate power circuits within the power supply network.   
     
     
         2 . The solar array of  claim 1 , wherein the semi-conductive substrate blanket material comprises a foldable flexible semi-conductive substrate blanket material. 
     
     
         3 . The solar array of  claim 2 , wherein the foldable flexible semi-conductive substrate blanket material comprises a plurality of panels folded together, the solar array further comprising a plurality of hinge pins interposed between adjacent panels to hingedly couple adjacent panels. 
     
     
         4 . The solar array of  claim 3 , wherein the hinge pins comprise carbon fiber material configured to improve blanket stiffness of the semi-conductive substrate blanket material in a deployed state. 
     
     
         5 . The solar array of  claim 1 , wherein the semi-conductive substrate blanket material comprises a charge dissipative polyimide material. 
     
     
         6 . The solar array of  claim 5 , wherein the charge dissipative polyimide material comprises black poly (4,4′-oxydiphenylene-pyromellitimide). 
     
     
         7 . The solar array of  claim 1 , further comprising a series of blocking diodes disposed on the substrate blanket material within the circuit paths. 
     
     
         8 . The solar array of  claim 7 , wherein the series of blocking diodes comprise at least one of a series of round-body diodes or a series of flat package diodes. 
     
     
         9 . The solar array of  claim 1 , further comprising a closed-section collapsible mast coupled to the semi-conductive substrate blanket material, and configured to deploy and support the semi-conductive substrate flexible substrate blanket material.