ARA MK4 Solar Array Development

Abstract

The ARA (Advanced Rigid Array) Mk4 solar array development program is conducted under an ESA-Artes contract. In order to enter new markets with recurring potential such as the market for small to medium range Comsats and moreover to remain competitive with its Solar Arrays on existing markets, Airbus DS Netherlands needed to evolve its current product line of ARA Mk3 and FRED to a new generation Solar Array, the ARA Mk4. The main goals of the ARA Mk4 development program are solar array cost and risk reduction, robustness, performance increase and readiness for growth capability. The requirements for the ARA Mk4 solar array are enveloping the needs for a number of intended applications such as EDRS-C, GMP-T, MetOp-SG and Geostar-3. Furthermore the requirements are based on launch with today's launchers. The EDRS-C program has been the first customer for the ARA Mk4 solar array. The ARA Mk4 solar array has been divided into a number of units such as PVA, Panel Substrates, Yoke, Holddown and Deployment mechanisms and Inter-Panel Harness. These units are developed and qualified before verification at wing assembly level. Wing level tests, including sine vibration and acoustic noise testing, has been performed successfully. In addition to hardware development also the analysis tools, integration approach, qualification status control and documentation generation for recurring projects have been upgraded. The outline of the ARA Mk4 development program, the obtained results and the achieved status with regard to the set goals are presented in this paper.