Second Pair of Redwire Roll-Out Solar Arrays Launched to ISS

The second pair of ISS Roll-Out Solar Arrays (iROSA) launched to the International Space Station aboard the 26th SpaceX commercial resupply mission for NASA. The arrays were developed by Redwire and delivered to NASA under contract with Boeing, NASA’s prime contractor for space station operations.

On Nov. 29, two astronauts installed one iROSA wing, and on Dec. 3, a pair of astronauts will install the other iROSA wing. These will be the third and fourth iROSAs out of a total six planned for installation. The iROSAs will increase power generation capability by up to 30%, increasing the station’s total available power from 160 kilowatts to up to 215 kilowatts.

Redwire‘s roll-out solar array technology is compact, modular, and scalable, making it ideal for use on the ISS and other spaceflight platforms. iROSA uses large, flexible solar arrays with flexible composite booms that are rolled up for storage, launch, and delivery. When installed, each iROSA unit unrolls without the need for motors or other equipment, giving iROSA an advantage over rigid solar arrays and other traditional technologies. The technology behind iROSA was first demonstrated on the ISS in June 2017.

Roll-Out Solar Arrays Supplement Standard Solar Technology

According to NASA, Roll-Out Solar Arrays (ROSA) are an alternative to existing solar array technologies. These arrays are a compact design, more affordable, and offer autonomous capabilities that can enhance a wide spectrum of scientific and commercial missions, from low-Earth orbit all the way to interplanetary travel. ROSAs recently installed aboard the International Space Station provide additional power to augment the existing power supply, supporting more cutting-edge scientific research. ROSAs are also powering deep-space exploration and scientific missions, such as the Double Asteroid Redirection Test and Gateway’s Power and Propulsion Element. Additionally, ROSA’s design has been integrated into commercial satellites.

The arrays are compact and roll up like a carpet to be stowed for launch, making it more easily transportable while still maintaining a large surface area. Additionally, ROSAs are scalable and modular as DSS created a flexible design that could meet various mission requirements. ROSAs can be scaled down for small satellite applications or made incredibly large for deep space missions.

(Source: Redwire news release and NASA Impact Story. Images provided by Redwire)