Nichols Martin
Maxar Technologies has tasked Deployable Space Systems to produce flexible solar arrays for NASA’s Gateway, a future space facility that will serve as an outpost for astronauts, Space News reported Thursday.
The Roll Out Solar Array, or ROSA, will support Gateway’s power and propulsion element. Maxar awarded an industry contract to DSS for ROSA’s production.
In 2017, DSS tested ROSA aboard the International Space Station with assistance from NASA and the Air Force Research Laboratory. The company intends to build two solar arrays that are around 65 feet long and 26 feet wide.
DSS President Brian Spence said in an email the company will use its existing ROSA production plant to address NASA’s solar array needs for Gateway propulsion.
Gateway will support NASA’s Artemis program, an effort that aims to revive manned lunar explorations.
