LED Solar Simulator

Background
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has a requirement for a LED Solar Simulator to enhance solar array testing capabilities. This initiative directly supports the Human Landing System (HLS) and Habitation programs, including Gateway and Surface Habitats, as well as any MSFC-involved spaceflight missions that utilize solar arrays for power generation.

Work Details
The LED Solar Simulator must be a fully integrated photovoltaic performance characterization system designed to test advanced solar arrays for space applications. Key specifications include:

1. Programmable LED-based light sources.
2. Compliance with Air Mass Zero (AM0) spectrum for space-grade photovoltaic cells.
3. Pulsed output capability.
4. A modular system that allows addition or removal of LED sources.
5. Minimum output coverage area of 3-feet x 3-feet.
6. Source Measure Unit (SMU) for current-voltage measurement linked to LED programmable driver.
7. High Voltage Multiplexer.
8. Desktop computer for operation and control.
9. Software for fully automated calibration and testing, with programmable spectral and irradiance control.
10. Motorized frame for automated calibration and testing in a vertical orientation.
11. Rated for characterizing 3, 4, or 5 junction photovoltaic cells, including inverted metamorphic multijunction (IMM) cells.
12. Capable of accurately measuring the performance of various space-grade cell technologies such as SolAero ZTJ, Z4J, IMM-alpha, IMM-beta; Spectrolab XTJ, XTE-SF; and Azur 3G30, 4G32.

Period of Performance
The period of performance is set at 16 weeks from the effective date of the order.

Place of Performance
Delivery is required at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), located in Huntsville, AL.