A Review on Space Solar Arrays

Supplying the energy demanded by spacecraft and satellites is an ever-increasing need. As a result, it is an active field in developing space technologies. In addition to the commonly used rigid substrate solar arrays, flexible substrate and concentrator solar arrays are other available categories. This paper reviewed the developments and commercial technologies in each category. The flexible solar arrays, implemented in several spacecraft during the last two decades, have recently attracted attention in satellites. It seems that these arrays will replace rigid arrays in the near term due to their higher specific power and smaller stow volume than rigid arrays.