Nasa has selected four proposals to develop solar technologies for deepspace missions, as part of its Game Changing Development (GCD) programme.

Proposals are from Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Boeing, Nasa’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and ATK Space Systems.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

The four proposals have been selected from 13 received in response to Nasa’s research announcement for solar arrays that can operate in high-radiation and low-temperature environments.

"The ultimate goal of increasing end-of-life performance and enhanced space power applications will greatly impact how we execute extended missions, especially to the outer planets."

The new-generation solar power technologies are expected to improve space mission performance, increase solar array life, and may allow solar-powered vehicles to explore deeper into space than ever before, Nasa said.

Nasa will award initial contracts worth nearly $400,000 for the proposals, in addition to providing funding for nine months of system design, component testing and analysis.

Nasa Space Technology Mission Directorate GCD programme executive Lanetra Tate said: "These awards will greatly enhance our ability to further develop and enhance low-intensity low-temperature (LILT) performance by employing new solar cell designs.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

"The ultimate goal of increasing end-of-life performance and enhanced space power applications will greatly impact how we execute extended missions, especially to the outer planets."

Upon completion of the first nine months, Nasa plans Phase 2 where two of these technologies would receive up to $1.25m to develop and test their hardware during the project’s second stage.

In the third and final phase of the project, one awardee may be asked to continue development and deliver scalable system hardware.