SpaceX and NASA Will Deliver Next-Generation Power to the ISS

SpaceX and NASA are teaming up again to launch their 22d Commercial Resupply Services mission to the ISS...but this time, they're bringing along tools to give it a solar power makeover!

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Onboard the Dragon cargo capsule is a massive solar array system that’s set to transform the power capabilities of Earth's only international orbiting outpost. And in the process, it just may bring us one step closer to developing a viable power system for deep space missions!

Using multijunction solar cells, these arrays run at more than 30% efficiency and are about half the length of the legacy arrays. On their own, each new solar array produces more than 28 kilowatts of power. But the plan is to send up six new arrays—which when combined with the existing ones, will supply the ISS with up to 215 kilowatts!

#NASA #space #ISS #solar #iROS #Redwire #Boeing #SpaceX #seeker #science #countdowntolaunch

Read More:
New Solar Arrays to Power NASA’s International Space Station Research
https://www.nasa.gov/feature/new-solar-arrays-to-power-nasa-s-international-space-station-research
"Though they are functioning well, the current solar arrays are showing signs of degradation, as expected. To ensure a sufficient power supply is maintained for NASA’s exploration technology demonstrations for Artemis and beyond as well as utilization and commercialization, NASA will be augmenting six of the eight existing power channels of the space station with new solar arrays."

Redwire’s First-Of-Its-Kind Solar Array Technology Launching to the International Space Station
https://redwirespace.com/2021/05/25/redwire-solar-array-launching-to-iss/
"Using upgraded solar cells from Boeing’s Spectrolab, each iROSA solar array is one of the most powerful solar arrays ever manufactured and will provide more than 20 kilowatts of power."

What does the future have in store for the International Space Station?
https://www.aerotime.aero/27884-what-future-for-the-international-space-station
"Will the ISS really retire in 2024? So far, the die has not been cast. Technically, the station is cleared to operate until 2028, and beyond. “The study for 2028-2032 is expected to be launched this year,” Joel Montalbano, NASA's ISS program manager, said in March 2021."
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