Design and Laboratory Evaluation of an Electrical Power System for a Medium to Synchronous Altitude Orbiting Satellite

A long life electrical power system adaptable to the 200 to 600 watt power range has been designed and evaluated for a space satellite in a medium to synchronous altitude earth orbit. The design approach included utilization of an analog computer in the initial stages to study the dynamic performance of the system consisting of an oriented solar array, battery charge/load regulator, nickel-cadmium battery, and satellite load. The final designs were performance and environmentally tested as individual components and tested as a system for prolonged periods. The test evaluation confirmed the soundness of the basic design approach and indicated specific areas for improvement and refinement.