Revolv Space is preparing for the inaugural on-orbit test of the SARA system

Revolv Space is preparing for the inaugural on-orbit test of the SARA system

Revolv Space has completed integration and testing of its Solar Array Drive Assembly (SADA), known as SARA, on DPhi Space’s Clustergate-1 platform, indicating it is ready for its first on-orbit demonstration in early 2025. This mission marks an important step for SARA, demonstrating its ability to perform in the rigors of space and establishing its flight credentials.

Designed for small satellites, SARA provides up to 500W of power transfer per unit using cost-efficient flexible PCB technology. It combines the advantages of sun-tracking solar wings with the reliability of fixed panels. The SnapBack function – a passive fail-safe mechanism – ensures that the solar panels return to their reference position in the event of a failure. Furthermore, SARA’s integrated sun tracking system enables fully autonomous orientation of the solar panels for maximum energy generation.

This mission will utilize DPhi Space’s Clustergate, a shared hosted payload platform designed for cost-effective deployment of space technologies. SARA’s MONO version has been integrated and passed environmental testing on Clustergate before being placed on D-Orbit’s ION Satellite Carrier, known for its successful track record of fourteen consecutive launches.

“We went from contract signing to a fully integrated and tested flight unit in less than four months, thanks to SARA’s technological maturity and excellent documentation, coupled with Clustergate’s user-friendly interfaces and a seamless integration process by DPhi Space. This mission not only validates SARA’s design and performance, but also strengthens our commitment to advancing satellite technology through strategic partnerships with leading companies like D-Orbit and emerging startups like DPhi Space,” concludes Sala.

Aziz Belkhiria, CEO of DPhi Space, added: “Our partnership with Revolv Space is a great example of how Clustergate helps prove new developments in flight and prepare them for commercialization. We can’t wait to receive the first telemetry from SARA from space. and increase it to TRL 9.”

Mission scope and future initiatives

The upcoming mission will test SARA deployment using the HOLLY hinge, both manual and autonomous operation, and the fail-safe SnapBack mode. This effort underscores Revolv Space’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance power systems tailored to the evolving needs of the industry. To further improve its technology, Revolv Space has secured an additional in-space demonstration with a European partner and is developing a larger SADA variant for larger satellite platforms.

Revolv Space specializes in creating advanced energy systems and mechanisms that maximize the capabilities of small satellites. The range of Solar Array Drive Assemblies (SADAs) supports powers from 100 W to 5 kW and integrates redundancy and sun tracking technology to optimize mission performance. The company operates from Turin, Italy and Noordwijk, the Netherlands and focuses on innovation, customer satisfaction and delivering cost-effective, fail-safe solutions on time.

DPhil Space, headquartered in Switzerland, simplifies access to space by offering hosted payload platforms such as Clustergate. By aggregating multiple payloads onto a single bus, DPhi reduces costs and improves payload capabilities with advanced computing power and streamlined integration processes.