{ "id": "rockwest-solar-array-substrate", "title": "Rockwest solar array substrate", "maker": "Rockwest Composites", "maker_type": "Commercial", "kind": "component", "category": "solar", "page": "https://spacemushroom.com/space-products/rockwest-solar-array-substrate/", "website": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.html", "summary": "Space-grade Kapton-surfaced aluminium honeycomb substrate with HR40 carbon fibre epoxy skins.", "application": "A Kapton-surfaced aluminium honeycomb substrate with carbon-fibre epoxy skins, made to order for solar arrays. It gives array builders a stiff, light base with full material-lot traceability.", "story": { "headline": "This panel is a stiff, light base for solar cells in low Earth orbit, built from carbon fibre and aluminium.", "intro": [ "Rockwest Composites makes this panel to order as a base for solar arrays in low Earth orbit. It is 48 by 96 inches (1219.2 by 2438.4 millimetres) and 0.295 inches thick. A Kapton film on one face is the surface the solar cells are bonded to. Rockwest says it can supply the panel on a short lead time.", "The skins are Mitsubishi HR40 carbon fibre in NB321 epoxy, 0.020 inches thick each, around a perforated aluminium honeycomb core. Rockwest suggests a top use temperature of 225 °F (107 °C). Its sibling for higher orbits, built on a cyanate ester resin, goes up to 300 °F (150 °C)." ], "built": [ { "title": "Carbon fibre skins", "text": "Each skin is 0.020 inches thick. The layers are laid up in a quasi-isotropic pattern and oven cured one skin at a time. Rockwest calls the NB321 resin a high-temperature epoxy.", "parts": [ "Face skin carbon fibre", "Face skin matrix resin", "Face skin laminate pair (2 x 0.020 in), STRATOplateLEO" ] }, { "title": "Core and adhesive", "text": "Between the skins sits a perforated aluminium honeycomb core, 0.25 inches thick. Newport NB301 film adhesive bonds core and skins. Rockwest says the perforated core and the film adhesive together tune the bending stiffness.", "parts": [ "Core", "Core-to-skin film adhesive" ] }, { "title": "Kapton face", "text": "One face carries a 0.002 inch Kapton film, cured together with the skin, for bonding solar cells. The cells are not included. Both faces are finished matte black.", "parts": [ "Kapton film, co-cured to one skin face", "Panel surfaces (both faces)" ] }, { "title": "Back-up structures for DiskSat", "text": "DiskSat is a one-metre-wide spacecraft from The Aerospace Corporation. For it, Rockwest built four assemblies from blanks of this substrate, with aluminium inserts primed with BR-127 and bonded in with EA9394 adhesive. The insert design locates itself, so no costly assembly fixture is needed, and positional tolerances run from 0.010 to 0.020 inches.", "parts": [ "Back-up structure assemblies for DiskSat (4 delivered)", "Aluminium inserts, in-plane and out-of-plane (DiskSat build)", "BR-127 primer on the inserts", "EA9394 insert bonding adhesive" ] } ], "materials": [ { "name": "Carbon fibre (Mitsubishi HR40)", "mid": "carbon-fibre", "where": "The fibre in both face skins." }, { "name": "Epoxy resin (Newport NB321)", "mid": "newport-nb321-epoxy-resin", "where": "The resin in the skins, which Rockwest calls a high-temperature epoxy." }, { "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": "Newport NB301 film adhesive", "mid": "newport-nb301-film-adhesive", "where": "Bonds the core to the skins." }, { "name": "Aluminium", "mid": "aluminium", "where": "The primed inserts bonded into the DiskSat assemblies. The alloy is not given." } ], "connections": "Four DiskSat spacecraft flew on a Rocket Lab Electron in December 2025. Rockwest's release and image captions tie its assemblies to the programme, but Aerospace's own fact sheet names no panel supplier. Rockwest also built custom panels, with skins supplied by the customer, for the 500-watt arrays on Astro Digital's Corvus satellite buses.", "unknown": "The page shows a weight with no unit, so the panel's mass isn't clear. Rockwest publishes no thermal or mechanical figures for it, and the exact layer-by-layer layup is shared only under a non-disclosure agreement. The Kapton grade is not named. Rockwest's DiskSat release and Aerospace's fact sheet give very different thicknesses for the finished assembly.", "facts": [ { "label": "Size", "value": "48 in x 96 in (1219.2 mm x 2438.4 mm)" }, { "label": "Panel thickness", "value": "0.295 in" }, { "label": "Thickness of each skin", "value": "0.020 in" }, { "label": "Core thickness", "value": "0.25 in" }, { "label": "Max suggested use temperature", "value": "225 F (107 C)" }, { "label": "Target orbit", "value": "Low Earth Orbit" } ] }, "specifications": [ { "label": "Size", "value": "48 in x 96 in (1219.2 mm x 2438.4 mm)", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.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-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.html", "quote": "Core Material Aluminum Honeycomb" }, { "label": "Core thickness", "value": "0.25 in", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.html", "quote": "Core Thickness 0.25" }, { "label": "Core density", "value": "2.3 pcf", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.html", "quote": "2.3 Pcf AL Core" }, { "label": "Colour / finish", "value": "Black, matte on both sides", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.html", "quote": "Color Black Finish Matte / Matte" }, { "label": "Length tolerance", "value": "+/- 0.125 in", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.html", "quote": "Length: ± 0.125\"" }, { "label": "Width tolerance", "value": "+/- 0.125 in", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.html", "quote": "Width: ± 0.125\"" }, { "label": "Skin thickness tolerance (each)", "value": "+/- 10%", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.html", "quote": "Skin Thickness (ea.): ± 10%" }, { "label": "Core thickness tolerance", "value": "+/- 0.010 in", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.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-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.html", "quote": "Flatness: 0.040\" (0.010/12.0x12.0)" }, { "label": "Application", "value": "Space and stable structures", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.html", "quote": "Application Space & Stable Structures" }, { "label": "Panel thickness", "value": "0.295 in", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.html", "quote": "Panel Thickness 0.295" }, { "label": "Skin thickness (each)", "value": "0.020 in", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.html", "quote": "Skin Thickness 0.02" }, { "label": "Max suggested use temperature", "value": "225 F (107 C)", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.html", "quote": "the maximum suggested use temperature is 225°F (107°C)" }, { "label": "Target orbit", "value": "Low Earth Orbit", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.html", "quote": "Designed specifically for Low Earth Orbit (LEO)" }, { "label": "Skin fibre modulus", "value": "57 Msi (HR40)", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.html", "quote": "HR40 carbon fiber (57 Msi)" }, { "label": "Skin layup", "value": "Quasi-isotropic", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.html", "quote": "quasi-isotropic layup" }, { "label": "Cure process", "value": "Skins oven cured individually; panels vacuum bag/oven consolidated", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.html", "quote": "Skins are oven cured individually and sandwich panels are then vacuum bag/oven consolidated" }, { "label": "DiskSat assembly size (release)", "value": "about 1 m diameter; release says 25 cm thick, Aerospace fact sheet says 2.5 cm", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/rwc-ships-first-set-of-solar-array-substrate-back-up-structure-assemblies-for-the-disksat-program.html", "quote": "The final assembly measures approximately one meter in diameter and 25 centimeters in thickness." }, { "label": "DiskSat insert positional tolerance", "value": "0.010 to 0.020 in on in-plane and out-of-plane inserts, global datum scheme", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/rwc-ships-first-set-of-solar-array-substrate-back-up-structure-assemblies-for-the-disksat-program.html", "quote": "tolerances were on the order of 0.010-0.020” positional" }, { "label": "DiskSat demonstration mission launch", "value": "December 2025 on Rocket Lab Electron, four spacecraft", "source_url": "https://aerospace.org/sites/default/files/2026-05/DiskSat.pdf", "quote": "In December 2025, four spacecraft launched aboard Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket" }, { "label": "DiskSat structure (Aerospace fact sheet)", "value": "carbon-fibre composite sandwich, about 13.5 kg, 1 m diameter by 2.5 cm", "source_url": "https://aerospace.org/sites/default/files/2026-05/DiskSat.pdf", "quote": "Dimensions: 1 meter diameter × 2.5 cm thick" }, { "label": "DiskSat power (Aerospace fact sheet)", "value": "more than 100 W", "source_url": "https://aerospace.org/sites/default/files/2026-05/DiskSat.pdf", "quote": "Generates more than 100 watts" }, { "label": "Astro Digital panels size", "value": "about 2 ft x 2 ft", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/rwc-delivers-sas-panels-for-500-watt-arrays.html", "quote": "approximately 2’ x 2’ structures" }, { "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-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.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-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.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-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.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-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.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-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.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-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.html", "quote": "Perforated aluminum honeycomb core and NB301 film adhesive are then combined to tune bending stiffness" } ], "parts": [ { "assembly": "Face skins (STRATOplate)", "parts": [ { "part": "Face skin carbon fibre", "material": "Mitsubishi HR40 high modulus fiber (57 Msi)", "form": "fibre (unidirectional, quasi-isotropic layup)", "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Mitsubishi HR40", "quote": "use HR40 carbon fiber (57 Msi) with NB321 high temperature epoxy resin in a quasi-isotropic layup", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.html", "profile": "carbon-fibre", "mid": "carbon-fibre" }, { "part": "Face skin matrix resin", "material": "Newport 321 epoxy resin (NB321 high temperature epoxy)", "form": "resin", "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Newport NB321", "quote": "use HR40 carbon fiber (57 Msi) with NB321 high temperature epoxy resin in a quasi-isotropic layup", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.html", "profile": null, "mid": "newport-nb321-epoxy-resin" } ] }, { "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-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.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-K25-1-UR-2.3-0.250-P-0.250-V", "quote": "2.3 Pcf AL Core - 0.25 Inch Thick", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.html", "profile": "aluminium-honeycomb-hexweb", "mid": "aluminium-honeycomb-hexweb" }, { "part": "Core-to-skin film adhesive", "material": "Newport 301 film adhesive (NB301)", "form": "film adhesive", "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "Newport 301 film adhesive.", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.html", "profile": null, "mid": "newport-nb301-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-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.html", "profile": null, "mid": "matte-black-finish" } ] }, { "assembly": "Face skins", "parts": [ { "part": "HR40 / NB321 unidirectional prepreg", "material": "Carbon fibre / epoxy prepreg (HR40 fibre, NB321 resin)", "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Rock West Composites", "quote": "STRATOSubstrate LEO class panels use HR40/NB321 unidirectional prepreg, NB301 film adhesive, perforated aluminum honeycomb core, and 0.002” HN Kapton.", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/rwc-ships-first-set-of-solar-array-substrate-back-up-structure-assemblies-for-the-disksat-program.html", "profile": "carbon-fibre", "mid": "carbon-fibre", "function": "Prepreg form of the skin material, laid up quasi-isotropic and oven cured individually", "specs": [ { "label": "Skin thickness", "value": "0.020 in each (this part number), tolerance +/-10%", "quote": "Skin Thickness (ea.): ± 10%", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.html" }, { "label": "Cure", "value": "skins oven cured individually", "quote": "Skins are oven cured individually and sandwich panels are then vacuum bag/oven consolidated.", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.html" } ] }, { "part": "Face skin laminate pair (2 x 0.020 in), STRATOplateLEO", "material": "HR40 carbon fibre / NB321 epoxy, quasi-isotropic", "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Rock West Composites", "quote": "The face skins are STRATOplateLEO plate with a 0.002” Kapton film co-cured to one face", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.html", "profile": "carbon-fibre", "mid": "carbon-fibre", "function": "Two skins with a 0.002 in Kapton film co-cured to one face" } ] }, { "assembly": "Inserts and edge details", "parts": [ { "part": "Aluminium inserts, in-plane and out-of-plane (DiskSat build)", "material": "Aluminium (alloy not stated), BR-127 primed", "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Rock West Composites", "quote": "The inserts for the deliverable were BR-127 primed aluminum bonded with EA9394.", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/rwc-ships-first-set-of-solar-array-substrate-back-up-structure-assemblies-for-the-disksat-program.html", "profile": "aluminium", "mid": "aluminium", "function": "Self-fixturing inserts that match a global datum scheme; positional tolerance 0.010 to 0.020 in", "specs": [ { "label": "Positional tolerance", "value": "0.010 to 0.020 in", "quote": "tolerances were on the order of 0.010-0.020” positional", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/rwc-ships-first-set-of-solar-array-substrate-back-up-structure-assemblies-for-the-disksat-program.html" }, { "label": "Design", "value": "self-fixturing insert design avoids a costly assembly fixture", "quote": "The team used an insert design that allowed for self-fixturing to a tight tolerance", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/rwc-ships-first-set-of-solar-array-substrate-back-up-structure-assemblies-for-the-disksat-program.html" } ] }, { "part": "BR-127 primer on the inserts", "material": "BR-127 primer (chemistry not stated)", "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Rock West Composites", "quote": "The inserts for the deliverable were BR-127 primed aluminum bonded with EA9394.", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/rwc-ships-first-set-of-solar-array-substrate-back-up-structure-assemblies-for-the-disksat-program.html", "profile": null, "mid": "br-127-primer", "function": "Primer applied to the aluminium inserts before bonding" }, { "part": "EA9394 insert bonding adhesive", "material": "EA9394 adhesive (maker and chemistry not stated)", "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Rock West Composites", "quote": "The inserts for the deliverable were BR-127 primed aluminum bonded with EA9394.", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/rwc-ships-first-set-of-solar-array-substrate-back-up-structure-assemblies-for-the-disksat-program.html", "profile": null, "mid": "ea9394-adhesive", "function": "Adhesive that bonds the primed inserts into the sandwich" }, { "part": "Back-up structure assemblies for DiskSat (4 delivered)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Rock West Composites", "quote": "shipped the first four solar array substrate/back-up structure assemblies to The Aerospace Corporation in support of the DiskSat Program", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/rwc-ships-first-set-of-solar-array-substrate-back-up-structure-assemblies-for-the-disksat-program.html", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Combination solar array substrate / back-up structure assemblies built to print from STRATOSubstrate LEO blanks, about 1 m in diameter", "specs": [ { "label": "Size", "value": "about one metre in diameter (release says 25 cm thick)", "quote": "The final assembly measures approximately one meter in diameter and 25 centimeters in thickness.", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/rwc-ships-first-set-of-solar-array-substrate-back-up-structure-assemblies-for-the-disksat-program.html" } ] } ] }, { "assembly": "Stock plates and sibling panels (same material system)", "parts": [ { "part": "STRATOplateLEO laminate 0.054 in (P/N 22Z002102-9-0.054-96-48)", "material": "HR40 carbon fibre / NB321 epoxy", "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Rock West Composites", "quote": "STRATOplateLEO laminates are vacuum bag/oven cured, but autoclave cure may be available upon request.", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002102-9-0-054-96-48.html", "profile": "carbon-fibre", "mid": "carbon-fibre", "function": "Stock plate of the HR40 / NB321 quasi-isotropic system, 96 x 48 in; vacuum bag / oven cured", "specs": [ { "label": "Use temperature limit", "value": "300 F (150 C)", "quote": "the maximum suggested use temperature is 300°F (150°C)", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002102-9-0-054-96-48.html" } ] }, { "part": "STRATOplateLEO laminate 0.108 in (P/N 22Z002102-11-0.108-96-48)", "material": "HR40 carbon fibre / NB321 epoxy", "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Rock West Composites", "quote": "Laminate - Space Grade - HR40 - Epoxy - Quasi-iso Unidirectional - 96.0 x 48.0 x 0.108 inch", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/stratoplate-leo", "profile": "carbon-fibre", "mid": "carbon-fibre", "function": "Thicker stock plate of the same system" }, { "part": "STRATOsubstrate LEO variant with 0.010 in skins (P/N 22Z002103-K21-1-UR)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Rock West Composites", "quote": "Substrate - Space Grade - Kapton Surface - HR40 - Epoxy - 0.010\" Thick Skins - NB301 Film Adhesive", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/stratosubstrate", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Sibling LEO substrate: HR40 skins 0.010 in, NB301, 0.275 in thick" }, { "part": "STRATOPanel LEO sandwich panels, 1.0 in thick, 3.1 pcf core (0.027 in and 0.054 in skins)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Rock West Composites", "quote": "Panel - Space Grade - HR40 - Epoxy - 0.027\" Thick Quasi-Iso Skins - NB301 Film Adhesive", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/strato", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Thicker HR40 / epoxy sandwich panels with NB301 film adhesive" } ] }, { "assembly": "Custom solar array substrate panels (Astro Digital 500 W arrays)", "parts": [ { "part": "Sandwich panels with customer-furnished trace/lead integrated skins (about 2 ft x 2 ft)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Rock West Composites", "quote": "RWC built the sandwich panels from trace/lead integrated skins that allowed for direct integration with solar cells.", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/rwc-delivers-sas-panels-for-500-watt-arrays.html", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Custom SAS panels, not the stock STRATOsubstrate: face skins carry copper traces for direct solar cell integration" }, { "part": "G10 fiberglass skins with integrated copper traces", "material": "G10 fiberglass laminate (resin not stated)", "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "The customer furnished the G10 (fiberglass) skins that already had the integrated copper traces.", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/rwc-delivers-sas-panels-for-500-watt-arrays.html", "profile": null, "mid": "fiberglass", "function": "Skins supplied by the customer" }, { "part": "Copper traces in the skins", "material": "Copper", "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "The customer furnished the G10 (fiberglass) skins that already had the integrated copper traces.", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/rwc-delivers-sas-panels-for-500-watt-arrays.html", "profile": "copper", "mid": "copper", "function": "Electrical traces for the solar cell strings" }, { "part": "Aluminium honeycomb core and metallic inserts (Astro Digital panels)", "material": "Aluminium honeycomb (alloy not stated)", "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Rock West Composites", "quote": "RWC used specialized tooling to align the face skins on the aluminum honeycomb core", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/rwc-delivers-sas-panels-for-500-watt-arrays.html", "profile": null, "mid": "aluminium-honeycomb", "function": "RWC used specialized tooling to align the skins on the core so the traces stay in place" } ] }, { "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": "HR40 carbon fibre / NB321 epoxy", "material_page": "https://spacemushroom.com/profiles/carbon-fibre/" }, { "id": "newport-nb321-epoxy-resin", "name": "Newport 321 epoxy resin (NB321 high temperature epoxy)", "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": "newport-nb301-film-adhesive", "name": "Newport 301 film adhesive (NB301)", "material_page": null }, { "id": "matte-black-finish", "name": "Matte black finish (colour Black, finish Matte / Matte)", "material_page": null }, { "id": "aluminium", "name": "Aluminium (alloy not stated), BR-127 primed", "material_page": "https://spacemushroom.com/profiles/aluminium/" }, { "id": "br-127-primer", "name": "BR-127 primer (chemistry not stated)", "material_page": null }, { "id": "ea9394-adhesive", "name": "EA9394 adhesive (maker and chemistry not stated)", "material_page": null }, { "id": "fiberglass", "name": "G10 fiberglass laminate (resin not stated)", "material_page": null }, { "id": "copper", "name": "Copper", "material_page": "https://spacemushroom.com/profiles/copper/" }, { "id": "aluminium-honeycomb", "name": "Aluminium honeycomb (alloy not stated)", "material_page": null }, { "id": "kapton-film-grade-unstated", "name": "Kapton film (grade not stated for the edging)", "material_page": null } ], "standards": [ { "name": "ISO 9001:2015 / AS9100D (quality certification of the maker)", "org": "ISO", "used_for": "Maker certification, not a material standard" } ], "relations": [ { "type": "part_of", "target": "DiskSat (The Aerospace Corporation)", "target_slug": null, "note": "Rock West shipped four STRATOSubstrate LEO based solar array substrate / back-up structure assemblies to The Aerospace Corporation for the DiskSat program", "quote": "shipped the first four solar array substrate/back-up structure assemblies to The Aerospace Corporation in support of the DiskSat Program", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/rwc-ships-first-set-of-solar-array-substrate-back-up-structure-assemblies-for-the-disksat-program.html" }, { "type": "launched_on", "target": "Rocket Lab Electron, DiskSat demonstration mission (December 2025)", "target_slug": "rocket-lab-electron", "note": "Four DiskSat spacecraft flew on Electron; Aerospace does not name the substrate supplier, the Rock West link is the release and image captions", "quote": "In December 2025, four spacecraft launched aboard Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket", "source_url": "https://aerospace.org/sites/default/files/2026-05/DiskSat.pdf" }, { "type": "part_of", "target": "Astro Digital Corvus bus 500 W solar arrays (custom RWC panels)", "target_slug": null, "note": "Custom SAS panels delivered June 2024 for higher-power Corvus buses; the release says the first would launch in October (year not stated)", "quote": "delivered panels for Astro Digital's new 500-Watt arrays to support higher power versions of Astro Digital's Corvus buses", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/rwc-delivers-sas-panels-for-500-watt-arrays.html" }, { "type": "heritage_of", "target": "Rockwest GEO solar array panel (STRATOSubstrate GEO, M55J / PMT-F33)", "target_slug": "rockwest-geo-solar-array-panel", "note": "Sibling in the STRATOSubstrate line: same size and core, GEO cyanate ester system", "quote": "Designed specifically for Medium Earth Orbits, Geostationary Orbits and Deep Space applications, the maximum suggested use temperature is 300°F (150°C).", "source_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k1-4-r-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-a.html" }, { "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-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.html" } ], "not_published": "The page cites no material or process specification for the fibre, resin, adhesive, Kapton or core. No datasheet PDFs are linked on this page (unlike the GEO panel). The aluminium honeycomb alloy and cell size and the Kapton grade are not stated. 'Unreticulated' adhesive appears only in the title. Technical drawing, layup and cure details are only available under NDA. More detail: The stock part page gives no mass with a unit (Weight 14.01 only), no HR40 or NB321 datasheet, no honeycomb alloy or cell size, no insert specification (the DiskSat release names BR-127 primer and EA9394 for that custom build only) and no layup (drawing under NDA). The DiskSat release is headed January 31, 2023 in the dateline but dated 2024 in the page header, and gives the assembly thickness as 25 cm while Aerospace gives the DiskSat as 2.5 cm thick, so that number is probably a typo and is reported as printed. The Aerospace fact sheet does not name Rock West or any solar-panel supplier, and the Astro Digital panels are custom parts with customer-furnished G10 skins, not the stock STRATOsubstrate. Kapton edging and cup/cone fittings come from Rock West solar-array pages, not the product page. More detail: The stock part page gives no mass with a unit (Weight 14.01 only), no HR40 or NB321 datasheet, no honeycomb alloy or cell size, no insert specification (the DiskSat release names BR-127 primer and EA9394 for that custom build only) and no layup (drawing under NDA). The DiskSat release is headed January 31, 2023 in the dateline but dated 2024 in the page header, and gives the assembly thickness as 25 cm while Aerospace gives the DiskSat as 2.5 cm thick, so that number is probably a typo and is reported as printed. The Aerospace fact sheet does not name Rock West or any solar-panel supplier, and the Astro Digital panels are custom parts with customer-furnished G10 skins, not the stock STRATOsubstrate. Kapton edging and cup/cone fittings come from Rock West solar-array pages, not the product page.", "depth": "partial", "photos": [ { "file": "products/context/rockwest-solar-array-substrate-1.jpg", "alt": "Corner of a STRATO substrate: dark carbon-fibre face over an amber honeycomb core", "long": "A close-up of a STRATO substrate corner: a dark carbon-fibre face over an amber honeycomb core, with the cut edge visible.", "kind": "product", "credit": "Rock West Composites", "license": "Maker photo, shown with credit", "page_url": "https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/22z002103-k25-1-ur-2-3-0-250-p-0-250-v.html" }, { "file": "products/gallery/rockwest-solar-array-substrate-1.jpg", "alt": "Roll-out solar array hanging from a station robotic arm marked Canada, above a blue ocean and clouds", "kind": "generic", "credit": "NASA", "license": "Public domain", "page_url": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ISS-52_Roll_Out_Solar_Array_%28ROSA%29_%283%29.jpg", "long": "A tall golden strip of cells hangs from a frame beside a jointed arm reading 'Canada'. Sea and cloud fill the rest of the picture." }, { "file": "products/gallery/rockwest-solar-array-substrate-2.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." } ], "context": { "orbit": [ "Low Earth orbit" ] }, "licence": "Product data CC BY 4.0, cite Space Mushroom. Photos keep their own licences, given per photo.", "mcp": "https://spacemushroom.com/mcp" }