Revolv Space delivers solar tracking technology for NASA mission

Torino-based company Revolv Space has successfully delivered four SARA Nano units to Blue Canyon Technologies, a primary contractor for NASA. The device, described by engineers as a “mechanical sunflower,” is an ultra-compact Solar Array Drive Assembly (SADA).

Weighing less than 500 grams, the SARA Nano mechanism autonomously orients photovoltaic panels up to 180 degrees in both directions. This constant alignment with the sun can increase energy yield by 40% to 50% compared to fixed panels, allowing microsatellites to maximize operational windows for data collection.

The technology will power the PolSIR (Polarized Submillimeter Ice Cloud Radiometer) mission. This scientific endeavor will utilize two CubeSats to study high-altitude ice clouds in tropical and subtropical regions, providing data to improve global weather and climate change predictive models.