Origami-Inspired Mechanisms for Enhanced Efficiency and Reliability in CubeSat Solar Panels

Foldable solar panels are a promising design for space applications, where minimizing stowed volume and maximizing deployed area are essential. Current solar panel systems are limited by their bulky stowage volume, complex deployment mechanisms, and vulnerability to mechanical failure during deployment or operation. This work explores origami-inspired folding patterns to enhance spatial efficiency along with their simple integrated deployment mechanisms suited for CubeSats. We evaluate structural integrity through CAD simulations and paper prototypes. By combining computational modeling and physical testing, the research aims to determine an optimal design that improves deployment efficiency and durability, contributing to more effective energy solutions for space environments. Thermal testing validates the design for survivability in space.