Solar Array Support Structure
Deployable Solar Array Substrate and Mounting Frame
The deployable solar array substrate and mounting frame is a structural framework that provides rigid, thermally stable support and ground anchoring for lunar solar panels. Constructed from carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer face sheets, aluminum honeycomb cores, and titanium hinges, the assembly relies on spring- or motor-driven deployment mechanisms for initial setup. Although the absence of atmospheric drag eliminates wind loading, severe day-night thermal cycling induces panel warping that necessitates flexible mounting interfaces. Foundation joints must transfer ground seismic loads, while the overall frame must tolerate progressive mass accumulation from settling regolith dust and support robotic replacement once the photovoltaic cells degrade.
Structural framework supporting solar panels including deployment mechanism and foundation interface
Purpose
Provide rigid, thermally stable mounting for solar arrays with optional deployment capability
Context
Child of L2-PWR-SOL within the Lunar Ark power generation system
Principles
- ▸Composite sandwich panels provide high stiffness-to-weight ratio for panel substrates
- ▸Deployment hinges with spring-driven or motor-driven mechanisms for initial setup
- ▸Structural design must accommodate thermal distortion from day/night cycling
- ▸Foundation mounting must transfer wind loads (none on Moon) and seismic loads to ground
Typical implementations
- ▸ISS solar array wing structure (accordion-fold deployment)
- ▸Lucy spacecraft fan-fold solar array deployment
- ▸ATK UltraFlex circular solar array structure
- ▸Orbital ATK MegaFlex large deployable array structure
Lunar considerations
- ▸No atmospheric drag loads simplifies structural design
- ▸Thermal cycling causes panel warping - must be accommodated by flexible mounts
- ▸Regolith dust settling on structure can add mass over time
- ▸Must be robotically replaceable when solar cells degrade beyond useful life
Specifications
Functional
| primary function | Structural framework supporting solar panels including deployment mechanism and foundation interface |
Physical
| materials | CFRP composite face sheets, Aluminum honeycomb core, Titanium hinges, Kapton substrate |
Interfaces
Provides
- Rigid mounting platform for solar cell arrays
Requires
- Foundation mounting interface for array structure
Cite this entry
Lunar Ark Codex. "Solar Array Support Structure" (L3-PWR-SOL-STRUCT). Retrieved 10 September 2026, from https://lunarark.com/entry/L3-PWR-SOL-STRUCT
Licensed CC-BY-SA 4.0. You may reuse and adapt this entry with attribution, under the same licence.