{ "id": "rockwest-geo-solar-array-panel", "title": "Rockwest GEO solar array panel", "maker": "Rockwest Composites", "maker_type": "Commercial", "kind": "component", "category": "solar", "page": "https://spacemushroom.com/space-products/rockwest-geo-solar-array-panel/", "website": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "summary": "Space-grade GEO solar array substrate: aluminium honeycomb sandwich panel with carbon fibre skins and a Kapton solar cell bonding surface.", "application": "A lightweight, stiff backing panel for geostationary-orbit solar arrays. An aluminium honeycomb core between carbon-fibre skins carries the solar cells, with a Kapton surface to bond them to. It helps array designers who need high stiffness at very low mass.", "story": { "headline": "This panel is a stiff, light base for solar cells in geostationary orbit, built from carbon fibre and aluminium.", "intro": [ "Rockwest Composites sells this flat panel as a base for solar cells. It is made for arrays in geostationary orbit, medium Earth orbit and deep space. It measures 48 by 96 inches (1219.2 by 2438.4 millimetres) but is only 0.272 inches thick. Each order comes with a certificate package.", "Two thin skins of carbon fibre sandwich an aluminium honeycomb core. Each skin is 0.008 inches thick. The fibre is Toray M55J, a stiff, high-modulus type, and the resin is a toughened cyanate ester. The layers are laid in a quasi-isotropic pattern, with the fibre direction turned from layer to layer." ], "built": [ { "title": "Carbon fibre skins", "text": "The two skins carry the bending load. Each one is cured on its own in an autoclave, a heated pressure vessel. The finished panel is then consolidated under a vacuum bag in an oven.", "parts": [ "Face skin carbon fibre", "Face skin matrix resin", "Face skin laminate pair (2 x 0.008 in), STRATOplateGEO" ] }, { "title": "Core and adhesive", "text": "The core is perforated aluminium honeycomb, 0.25 inches thick. Cytec FM300-2 film adhesive bonds it to the skins. Rockwest says the perforated core and the film adhesive are combined to tune the panel's bending stiffness.", "parts": [ "Core", "Core-to-skin film adhesive" ] }, { "title": "Kapton face", "text": "A Kapton film 0.002 inches thick is cured together with the skin on one face. It is the surface the solar cells are bonded to, and the cells themselves are not part of the product. Both faces of the panel are finished matte black.", "parts": [ "Kapton film, co-cured to one skin face", "Panel surfaces (both faces)" ] }, { "title": "Certificates and tests", "text": "Every order includes a certificate package with dimensional inspection, material certificates, traceability and a statement of verification. Extra tests can be ordered, among them short-beam shear, flatwise tension and long-beam flexure on the sandwich, and resin-content tests on the skins.", "parts": [ "Certificate package", "Full traveler verification (option)", "Short beam shear test coupons (option)", "Flatwise tension and long beam flexure tests on the sandwich (option)", "Resin content tests on the face skins (option)" ] } ], "materials": [ { "name": "Carbon fibre (Toray M55J)", "mid": "carbon-fibre", "where": "The fibre in both face skins." }, { "name": "Cyanate ester resin (Patz PMT-F33)", "mid": "cyanate-ester-pmt-f33", "where": "The resin that holds the fibres together in the skins." }, { "name": "Kapton film", "mid": "pi-kapton-hn", "where": "A 0.002 inch layer on one face, where the solar cells are bonded." }, { "name": "Aluminium honeycomb", "mid": "aluminium-honeycomb-hexweb", "where": "The perforated core, 0.25 inches thick." }, { "name": "Cytec FM300-2 film adhesive", "mid": "fm300-2-film-adhesive", "where": "Bonds the core to the skins." }, { "name": "Matte black finish", "mid": "matte-black-finish", "where": "Both faces of the panel." } ], "connections": "This panel is a sibling of Rockwest's low-Earth-orbit substrate, which has the same size and core but a different resin. Toray supplies the carbon fibre, Patz the resin and Cytec the adhesive. Rockwest says every material in its STRATO range meets NASA and ESA outgassing requirements, the limits on gas released in a vacuum. It names no mission that has used this panel.", "unknown": "The page shows a weight with no unit, so the panel's mass isn't clear. Rockwest publishes no thermal, expansion, stiffness or strength figures for the finished panel. The Kapton grade and supplier are not named, and the exact order and angles of the layers are shared only under a non-disclosure agreement. Nor does Rockwest say whether this panel has flown.", "facts": [ { "label": "Size", "value": "48 in x 96 in (1219.2 mm x 2438.4 mm)" }, { "label": "Panel thickness", "value": "0.272 in" }, { "label": "Thickness of each skin", "value": "0.008 in" }, { "label": "Core thickness", "value": "0.25 in" }, { "label": "Max suggested use temperature", "value": "300 F (150 C)" }, { "label": "Target orbits", "value": "Medium Earth Orbit, Geostationary Orbit, deep space" } ] }, "specifications": [ { "label": "Size", "value": "48 in x 96 in (1219.2 mm x 2438.4 mm)", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "quote": "Plate / Panel Size 48\" x 96\" / 1219.2mm x 2438.4mm" }, { "label": "Core material", "value": "Aluminium honeycomb (perforated)", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "quote": "Core Material Aluminum Honeycomb" }, { "label": "Core thickness", "value": "0.25 in", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "quote": "Core Thickness 0.25" }, { "label": "Core density", "value": "2.3 pcf", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "quote": "2.3 Pcf AL Core" }, { "label": "Colour / finish", "value": "Black, matte on both sides", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "quote": "Color Black Finish Matte / Matte" }, { "label": "Length tolerance", "value": "+/- 0.125 in", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "quote": "Length: ± 0.125\"" }, { "label": "Width tolerance", "value": "+/- 0.125 in", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "quote": "Width: ± 0.125\"" }, { "label": "Skin thickness tolerance (each)", "value": "+/- 10%", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "quote": "Skin Thickness (ea.): ± 10%" }, { "label": "Core thickness tolerance", "value": "+/- 0.010 in", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "quote": "Core Thickness: ± 0.010\"" }, { "label": "Flatness", "value": "0.040 in (0.010 per 12 x 12 in)", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "quote": "Flatness: 0.040\" (0.010/12.0x12.0)" }, { "label": "Application", "value": "Space and stable structures", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "quote": "Application Space & Stable Structures" }, { "label": "Panel thickness", "value": "0.272 in", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "quote": "Panel Thickness 0.272" }, { "label": "Skin thickness (each)", "value": "0.008 in", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "quote": "Skin Thickness 0.008" }, { "label": "Max suggested use temperature", "value": "300 F (150 C)", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "quote": "the maximum suggested use temperature is 300°F (150°C)" }, { "label": "Target orbits", "value": "Medium Earth Orbit, Geostationary Orbit, deep space", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "quote": "Designed specifically for Medium Earth Orbits, Geostationary Orbits and Deep Space applications" }, { "label": "Skin fibre modulus", "value": "78 Msi (M55J)", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "quote": "M55J carbon fiber (78 Msi)" }, { "label": "Skin layup", "value": "Quasi-isotropic", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "quote": "quasi-isotropic layup" }, { "label": "Cure process", "value": "Skins autoclave cured individually; panels vacuum bag/oven consolidated", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "quote": "Skins are autoclave cured individually and sandwich panels are then vacuum bag/oven consolidated" }, { "label": "M55J fibre tensile modulus", "value": "78.2 Msi (540 GPa)", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-rwc-master-catalog/default/dw46b18669/downloads/M55J.pdf", "quote": "Tensile Modulus 78.2 Msi 540 GPa" }, { "label": "M55J fibre density", "value": "1.91 g/cm3", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-rwc-master-catalog/default/dw46b18669/downloads/M55J.pdf", "quote": "Density 0.069 lbs/in3 1.91 g/cm3" }, { "label": "PMT-F33 / M55J laminate, 0-degree tensile strength (60 % fibre volume)", "value": "310 ksi", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-rwc-master-catalog/default/dw2a639ded/downloads/PMT-F33.pdf", "quote": "0° Tensile Strength, ksi D3039 310" }, { "label": "PMT-F33 / M55J laminate, 0-degree tensile modulus", "value": "48.5 Msi", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-rwc-master-catalog/default/dw2a639ded/downloads/PMT-F33.pdf", "quote": "0° Tensile Modulus, Msi D3039 48.5" }, { "label": "PMT-F33 recommended cure", "value": "350 F for 4 hours (autoclave, 80 psi)", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-rwc-master-catalog/default/dw2a639ded/downloads/PMT-F33.pdf", "quote": "Stage 4 – Dwell at 350°F for 4 hours" }, { "label": "PMT-F33 storage life", "value": "1 year below 10 F; handling life 30 days at 75 F", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-rwc-master-catalog/default/dw2a639ded/downloads/PMT-F33.pdf", "quote": "PMT-F33 has a storage life of 1 year when stored under 10°F" }, { "label": "PMT-F33 dielectric properties", "value": "Dk/Df 2.75/0.003 at 3 GHz", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-rwc-master-catalog/default/dw2a639ded/downloads/PMT-F33.pdf", "quote": "Dk/Df= 2.75/0.003 @ 3 GHz" }, { "label": "Resin system use limit (STRATOplateGEO)", "value": "450 F (230 C) for the plate", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002102-3-0-044-96-48.html", "quote": "the maximum suggested use temperature is 450°F (230°C)" }, { "label": "Constellation experience (maker claim)", "value": "38 plus satellites", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/solar-power-arrays-wings", "quote": "We have experience with constellation level production including 38 plus satellites." } ], "features": [ { "text": "Kapton film co-cured to one face serves as the solar cell bonding surface", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "quote": "with the Kapton layer serving as a solar cell bonding substrate" }, { "text": "Sandwich panel is a high stiffness, ultra-low weight backing structure", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "quote": "the sandwich panel serving as a high stiffness and ultra-low weight backing structure" }, { "text": "Readily available, made to order with short lead time", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "quote": "specifically designed as a readily available space flight ready substrate that can be made to order in short lead time" }, { "text": "Full traceability to material lots, cure cycle and coupon testing", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "quote": "Full traceability is maintained to material lots, cure cycle detail, and buy-up coupon testing" }, { "text": "Each order includes a certificate package; panels serialized and traceable", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "quote": "Each space grade order includes a certificate package with dimensional inspection, material certificates, traceability, and a statement of verification" }, { "text": "Perforated core and film adhesive combined to tune bending stiffness", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "quote": "Perforated aluminum honeycomb core and FM300-2 film adhesive are then combined to tune bending stiffness" } ], "parts": [ { "assembly": "Face skins (STRATOplate)", "parts": [ { "part": "Face skin carbon fibre", "material": "Toray M55J high modulus fiber (78 Msi)", "form": "fibre (unidirectional, quasi-isotropic layup)", "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Toray M55J datasheet No. CFA-017", "quote": "use M55J carbon fiber (78 Msi) with PMT-F33 cyanate ester resin in a quasi-isotropic layup", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "profile": "carbon-fibre", "mid": "carbon-fibre" }, { "part": "Face skin matrix resin", "material": "Patz PMT-F33 cyanate ester resin", "form": "resin", "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Patz PMT-F33 datasheet", "quote": "use M55J carbon fiber (78 Msi) with PMT-F33 cyanate ester resin in a quasi-isotropic layup", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "profile": null, "mid": "cyanate-ester-pmt-f33" } ] }, { "assembly": "Solar cell bonding surface", "parts": [ { "part": "Kapton film, co-cured to one skin face", "material": "Kapton film, 0.002 in", "form": "film", "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "0.002” Kapton film co-cured to one face", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "profile": "pi-kapton-hn", "mid": "pi-kapton-hn" } ] }, { "assembly": "Core and bonding", "parts": [ { "part": "Core", "material": "Perforated aluminum honeycomb", "form": "honeycomb core, 2.3 pcf, 0.25 in thick", "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Panel P/N 22Z002103-K1-4-R-2.3-0.250-P-0.250-A", "quote": "2.3 Pcf AL Core - 0.25 Inch Thick", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "profile": "aluminium-honeycomb-hexweb", "mid": "aluminium-honeycomb-hexweb" }, { "part": "Core-to-skin film adhesive", "material": "Cytec FM300-2 film adhesive", "form": "film adhesive", "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "Cytec FM300-2 film adhesive.", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "profile": null, "mid": "fm300-2-film-adhesive" } ] }, { "assembly": "Panel surface", "parts": [ { "part": "Panel surfaces (both faces)", "material": "Matte black finish (colour Black, finish Matte / Matte)", "form": "finish", "finish": "Matte / Matte", "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "Color Black Finish Matte / Matte", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "profile": null, "mid": "matte-black-finish" } ] }, { "assembly": "Face skins", "parts": [ { "part": "Face skin laminate pair (2 x 0.008 in), STRATOplateGEO", "material": "M55J carbon fibre / PMT-F33 cyanate ester, quasi-isotropic", "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Rock West Composites", "quote": "Skins are autoclave cured individually and sandwich panels are then vacuum bag/oven consolidated.", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "profile": "carbon-fibre", "mid": "carbon-fibre", "function": "Two co-cured-Kapton skins that carry the bending load; autoclave cured individually", "specs": [ { "label": "Skin thickness", "value": "0.008 in each, tolerance +/-10%", "quote": "Skin Thickness (ea.): ± 10%", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html" }, { "label": "Layup", "value": "quasi-isotropic", "quote": "in a quasi-isotropic layup", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html" }, { "label": "Fibre", "value": "Toray M55J, 78 Msi", "quote": "Toray M55J high modulus fiber.", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html" } ] }, { "part": "Toray M55J fibre, 6K untwisted tow, sizing 50B", "material": "Carbon fibre (M55J)", "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Toray Carbon Fibers America", "quote": "MJ type high modulus fiber with enhanced tensile and compressive strength over M series fibers", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-rwc-master-catalog/default/dw46b18669/downloads/M55J.pdf", "profile": "carbon-fibre", "mid": "carbon-fibre", "function": "High-modulus fibre of the skins as described on the maker's datasheet CFA-017", "specs": [ { "label": "Tensile modulus", "value": "78.2 Msi (540 GPa)", "quote": "Tensile Modulus 78.2 Msi 540 GPa", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-rwc-master-catalog/default/dw46b18669/downloads/M55J.pdf" }, { "label": "Tensile strength", "value": "583 ksi (4,020 MPa)", "quote": "Tensile Strength 583 ksi 4,020 MPa", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-rwc-master-catalog/default/dw46b18669/downloads/M55J.pdf" }, { "label": "Filament diameter", "value": "5 micrometres", "quote": "Filament Diameter 2.0E-04 in. 5", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-rwc-master-catalog/default/dw46b18669/downloads/M55J.pdf" } ] }, { "part": "Patz PMT-F33 toughened cyanate ester resin system", "material": "Cyanate ester (PMT-F33)", "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Patz Materials and Technology", "quote": "PMT-F33 is a toughened cyanate ester resin system", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-rwc-master-catalog/default/dw2a639ded/downloads/PMT-F33.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": "cyanate-ester-pmt-f33", "function": "Skin matrix; medium/dry tack; vacuum bag, press or autoclave cure", "specs": [ { "label": "Density", "value": "1.19 g/cm3", "quote": "Density of 1.19 g/cm", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-rwc-master-catalog/default/dw2a639ded/downloads/PMT-F33.pdf" }, { "label": "Glass transition", "value": "485 F", "quote": "High Tg (485°F)", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-rwc-master-catalog/default/dw2a639ded/downloads/PMT-F33.pdf" }, { "label": "Outgassing (ASTM E595)", "value": "TML 0.21 %, VCM 0.01 %", "quote": "TML 0.21% ASTME595", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-rwc-master-catalog/default/dw2a639ded/downloads/PMT-F33.pdf" } ] } ] }, { "assembly": "Stock plates and sibling panels (same material system)", "parts": [ { "part": "STRATOplateGEO laminate 0.044 in (P/N 22Z002102-3-0.044-96-48)", "material": "M55J carbon fibre / PMT-F33 cyanate ester", "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Rock West Composites", "quote": "STRATOplateGEO laminates are autoclave cured.", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002102-3-0-044-96-48.html", "profile": "carbon-fibre", "mid": "carbon-fibre", "function": "Stock plate of the same M55J / PMT-F33 quasi-isotropic system, 96 x 48 in; autoclave cured, use limit 450 F (230 C)", "specs": [ { "label": "Use temperature limit", "value": "450 F (230 C)", "quote": "the maximum suggested use temperature is 450°F (230°C)", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002102-3-0-044-96-48.html" }, { "label": "Behaviour", "value": "near-zero in-plane CTE", "quote": "Boasting a near-zero in-plane CTE", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002102-3-0-044-96-48.html" } ] }, { "part": "STRATOplateGEO laminate 0.089 in (P/N 22Z002102-5-0.089-96-48)", "material": "M55J carbon fibre / PMT-F33 cyanate ester", "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Rock West Composites", "quote": "Laminate - Space Grade - M55J - Cyanate Ester - Quasi-iso Unidirectional - 96.0 x 48.0 x 0.089 inch", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/stratoplate-geo", "profile": "carbon-fibre", "mid": "carbon-fibre", "function": "Thicker stock plate of the same system" }, { "part": "STRATOsubstrate GEO variant with 0.017 in skins (P/N 22Z002103-K5-4-R)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Rock West Composites", "quote": "Substrate - Space Grade - Kapton Surface - M55J - Cyanate Ester - 0.017\" Thick Skins - FM300-2 Film Adhesive", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/stratosubstrate", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Sibling GEO substrate: M55J skins 0.017 in, FM300-2, 0.289 in thick" }, { "part": "STRATOPanel GEO sandwich panels, 1.0 in thick, 3.1 pcf core (0.022 in and 0.045 in skins)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Rock West Composites", "quote": "Panel - Space Grade - M55J - Cyanate Ester - 0.022\" Thick Quasi-Iso Skins - FM300-2 Film Adhesive", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/strato", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Thicker M55J / cyanate ester sandwich panels with FM300-2 film adhesive" } ] }, { "assembly": "Deliverables and options", "parts": [ { "part": "Certificate package", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Rock West Composites", "quote": "Each space grade order includes a certificate package with dimensional inspection, material certificates, traceability, and a statement of verification.", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Dimensional inspection, material certificates, traceability and statement of verification, per order" }, { "part": "Full traveler verification (option)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Rock West Composites", "quote": "Include Full Traveler Verification (Per panel. Includes out time tracking, ply angle, and cure verifications)", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Copies of out-time tracking, ply angle and cure verifications, per panel" }, { "part": "Short beam shear test coupons (option)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Rock West Composites", "quote": "Short beam shear testing (3 tests per batch. Must be ordered at time of initial order.)", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Three tests per batch, ordered with the first order" }, { "part": "Flatwise tension and long beam flexure tests on the sandwich (option)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Rock West Composites", "quote": "flatwise tension testing and long beam flexure testing on the sandwich panel", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Panel-level mechanical tests offered with the order" }, { "part": "Resin content tests on the face skins (option)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Rock West Composites", "quote": "resin content testing (up to three tests per face skin available)", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Up to three tests per face skin" } ] }, { "assembly": "Panel hardware shown on Rock West solar-array pages (not itemised on the product page)", "parts": [ { "part": "Kapton edging on STRATOSubstrate panels", "material": "Kapton film (grade not stated for the edging)", "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Rock West Composites", "quote": "Shows Kapton edging and metallic inserts", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/solar-power-arrays-wings", "profile": null, "mid": "kapton-film-grade-unstated", "function": "Kapton along the panel edge, seen on DiskSat panel images" }, { "part": "Precision metallic inserts", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Rock West Composites", "quote": "Image shows exposed aluminum core, precision inserts and Kapton edging", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/solar-power-arrays-wings", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Inserts bonded into the sandwich panel for mounting; shown on the DiskSat panel images" }, { "part": "Cup/cone fittings (match-bonded in solar wings)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Rock West Composites", "quote": "Our team excels at precision assembly and match bonding of cup/cone fittings.", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/solar-power-arrays-wings", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Fittings that stack panels into deployable solar array wings" } ] } ], "materials": [ { "id": "carbon-fibre", "name": "M55J carbon fibre / PMT-F33 cyanate ester", "material_page": "https://spacemushroom.com/profiles/carbon-fibre/" }, { "id": "cyanate-ester-pmt-f33", "name": "Cyanate ester (PMT-F33)", "material_page": null }, { "id": "pi-kapton-hn", "name": "Kapton film, 0.002 in", "material_page": "https://spacemushroom.com/profiles/pi-kapton-hn/" }, { "id": "aluminium-honeycomb-hexweb", "name": "Perforated aluminum honeycomb", "material_page": "https://spacemushroom.com/profiles/aluminium-honeycomb-hexweb/" }, { "id": "fm300-2-film-adhesive", "name": "Cytec FM300-2 film adhesive", "material_page": null }, { "id": "matte-black-finish", "name": "Matte black finish (colour Black, finish Matte / Matte)", "material_page": null }, { "id": "kapton-film-grade-unstated", "name": "Kapton film (grade not stated for the edging)", "material_page": null } ], "standards": [ { "name": "ASTM E595 (outgassing; TML 0.21%, VCM 0.01%)", "org": "ASTM", "used_for": "PMT-F33 resin, per Patz datasheet linked from the page" }, { "name": "ISO 9001:2015 / AS9100D (quality certification of the maker)", "org": "ISO", "used_for": "Maker certification, not a material standard" } ], "relations": [ { "type": "heritage_of", "target": "Rockwest solar array substrate (STRATOSubstrate LEO, HR40 / NB321)", "target_slug": "rockwest-solar-array-substrate", "note": "Sibling in the STRATOSubstrate line: same size and core, LEO resin system instead of the GEO cyanate ester", "quote": "Designed specifically for Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the maximum suggested use temperature is 225°F (107°C).", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.html" }, { "type": "supplied_by", "target": "Toray Carbon Fibers America (M55J fibre)", "target_slug": null, "note": "Fibre of the skins; datasheet CFA-017", "quote": "TORAY CARBON FIBERS AMERICA, INC.", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-rwc-master-catalog/default/dw46b18669/downloads/M55J.pdf" }, { "type": "supplied_by", "target": "Patz Materials and Technology (PMT-F33 resin)", "target_slug": null, "note": "Resin of the skins", "quote": "Patz PMT-F33 Cyanate ester resin", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002102-3-0-044-96-48.html" }, { "type": "supplied_by", "target": "Cytec (FM300-2 film adhesive)", "target_slug": null, "note": "Core-to-skin film adhesive", "quote": "Cytec FM300-2 film adhesive.", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html" }, { "type": "built_on", "target": "ASTM E595 outgassing test", "target_slug": null, "note": "PMT-F33 resin outgassing data on the supplier datasheet", "quote": "TML 0.21% ASTME595", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-rwc-master-catalog/default/dw2a639ded/downloads/PMT-F33.pdf" }, { "type": "built_on", "target": "NASA and ESA outgassing requirements (STRATO line claim)", "target_slug": null, "note": "Maker's claim for all STRATO materials", "quote": "All materials used in our STRATO products meet NASA and ESA outgassing requirements.", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/strato" }, { "type": "carries", "target": "Solar cells (bonded to the Kapton face)", "target_slug": null, "note": "The Kapton layer is the solar-cell bonding substrate; cells are not part of the product", "quote": "with the Kapton layer serving as a solar cell bonding substrate", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html" } ], "not_published": "The page cites no material or process specification (no AMS/ASTM/ECSS callout) for the fibre, resin, adhesive, Kapton or core. The aluminium honeycomb alloy and cell size, the Kapton grade and the 'reticulated' adhesive form are not specified beyond the title. Technical drawing, layup and cure details are only available under NDA. Ply count and orientation table is not shown. Solar cell, adhesive for cells and mounting inserts are not part of this product. More detail: Not published: panel mass with a unit (the page shows Weight 8.67 with none), insert specification, whether this GEO part has flown, adhesive thickness, honeycomb alloy and cell size, Kapton grade (the LEO release says HN for that product), ply-by-ply layup (drawing under NDA). The edging, insert and cup/cone items come from Rock West solar-array pages and DiskSat images (a LEO product), not from this GEO product page. No GEO mission is named for this substrate. More detail: Not published: panel mass with a unit (the page shows Weight 8.67 with none), insert specification, whether this GEO part has flown, adhesive thickness, honeycomb alloy and cell size, Kapton grade (the LEO release says HN for that product), ply-by-ply layup (drawing under NDA). The edging, insert and cup/cone items come from Rock West solar-array pages and DiskSat images (a LEO product), not from this GEO product page. No GEO mission is named for this substrate.", "depth": "partial", "photos": [ { "file": "products/context/rockwest-geo-solar-array-panel-1.jpg", "alt": "Stack of dark-faced sandwich panels with amber honeycomb edges", "long": "A stack of dark-faced sandwich panels with amber honeycomb edges, from Rock West's spacecraft solar panel range (not specific to this GEO part).", "kind": "context", "context": "Rock West solar panel", "credit": "Rock West Composites", "license": "Maker photo, shown with credit", "page_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/" }, { "file": "products/gallery/rockwest-geo-solar-array-panel-1.jpg", "alt": "Spacecraft in a clean hall beside a large dark solar wing made of four tall panels", "kind": "generic", "credit": "NASA Goddard", "license": "Public domain", "page_url": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Deployment_Test_of_GPM_Solar_Wings.jpg", "long": "A satellite with silver and gold-tape-wrapped body stands next to a tall flat solar wing covered in dark cells with square mounting points." }, { "file": "products/gallery/rockwest-geo-solar-array-panel-2.jpg", "alt": "Cylindrical spacecraft module with a round fan-shaped gold-coloured solar array in a hall, with two staff and wall posters", "kind": "generic", "credit": "NASA", "license": "Public domain", "page_url": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cygnus_5_Service_Module_with_Ultraflex_solar_arrays.jpg", "long": "A pale circular array with square cells stands beside a metal drum-shaped module on a polished floor. Two people in cleanroom clothing stand behind a black panel." } ], "context": { "orbit": [ "Medium Earth orbit", "Geostationary orbit", "Deep space" ] }, "licence": "Product data CC BY 4.0, cite Space Mushroom. Photos keep their own licences, given per photo.", "mcp": "https://spacemushroom.com/mcp" }