NASA Chooses Small Businesses to Continue Exploration Tech Development
"Folditure, was awarded its first Phase II award to help meet NASA’s need for new lunar surface solar array structures to power future robotic and human exploration of the Moon. The company, which also creates foldable, space-saving furniture for consumers, spent its Phase I period validating the design, packing efficiency, scalability, and retractability of its Sunflake Solar Array and Ultra Compact Tripod Tower. In Phase II, the company will fully develop the kinematics and structure of the solar array – which will be more compact than what currently is available – and begin its environmental testing. If successful, this new solar array could be used on NASA missions that require lightweight, portable, high-efficiency solar energy, including human landers, future lunar outposts, or orbital stations planned under Artemis."
