Flight qualification testing of ultrathin solar cells
Abstract
Characterization and flight qualification testing has been conducted on ultrathin (0.0025-inch) production solar cells. Cells qualified by this test program and subsequently used in the fabrication of a Hughes HS 376 communications satellite represent the first ultrathin production solar cells to be used as the primary power source of a commercial satellite. Systems tests conducted on that satellite, including the solar panel, recently have been successfully completed. Significant results of the testing included verification of the mechanical integrity of the ultrathin solar cell and confirmation of improved radiation hardness. Improved resistance to radiation degradation is most pronounced at lower fluences, however the superior current collection efficiency of the ultrathin cell design is maintained in significant degree throughout the lifetime of a typical 10-year geosynchronous mission.
- Publication:
-
19th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
- Pub Date:
- 1987
- Bibcode:
- 1987pvsp.conf.1490W
- Keywords:
-
- Environmental Tests;
- Flight Tests;
- Radiation Hardening;
- Satellite Solar Energy Conversion;
- Solar Cells;
- Thin Films;
- Design Analysis;
- Thin Bodies;
- Electronics and Electrical Engineering