Spacecraft Photovoltaic Panel Verification

Why do spacecraft need to test PV cells?

For spacecraft operating in environments subjected to high energy electron and proton radiation, the degradation of PV cells translates to reduced power levels over the mission lifetime. Testing PV cells, and PV array coupons, is therefore important to determine End-of-Life (EOL) power margins.

Can a PV array be tested in space?

The space environment is a demanding environment and can take its toll on PV array system materials and components. On-orbit degradation of these components can, in some cases, jeopardize spacecraft power production. To avoid on-orbit failures, it is best to test PV array systems in realistic space environments recreated in the laboratory.

Can solar cells be tested in a space environment?

It is common to combine sources on a single vacuum system to achieve a UV environment that is close to on-orbit conditions. Fig. 1 shows a typical test setup in which solar cell samples are being exposed simultaneously to NUV and VUV radiation. III. TEST CAPABILITIES MSFC space environment test capabilities are far ranging.

Can a photovoltaic array system operate in space?

Abstract — To successfully operate a photovoltaic (PV) array system in space requires planning and testing to account for the effects of the space environment.

Should a solar sensor be used in a photovoltaic mission?

If measurement availability is completely necessary for the mission it is recommend the use of coarse Sun sensors because they will work independently of the state of the power system. Finally, three different photovoltaic performance models are compared in this paper.

How do spacecraft solar panels work?

Spacecraft solar panels are combined with Sun sensor to obtain the Sun pointing direction. Description of the variation of the solar panel performance due to environmental conditions is included. A method to derive the satellites attitude using magnetometer data in satellites with constrained attitude is explained.