Standard Solar Array Drive Assembly 150

The Frontgrade Standard Solar Array Drive Assembly, SADA-150, is designed with SWaP-C top-of-mind to support a wide range of missions from Low Earth Orbit to Deep Space. With a TRL-9 status, this device has attained flight heritage and continues to operate successfully in multiple GEO and LEO missions.

The SADA-150 is built using high quality materials like a hybrid stepper motor and harmonic drive. It offers precise positioning and ensures that the solar array follows the sun’s path to accurately and consistently provide reliable feedback. The device uses a high stiffness output drive with zero backlash and dual precision potentiometers for position sensing.

The SADA-150 design is optimized for low power consumption and offers slip ring configurations to accommodate various power levels of 192 or 120 Amperes with up to 120 V. Temperature sensors are also provided to monitor slip ring temperatures during operation.

Frontgrade’s SADA-150 is available as an off-the-shelf standard product and also has the flexibility to be customized based on our customers’ mission requirements.