Recent silicon space product advances

Silicon solar cell products have been developed to meet near-term spacecraft mission performance objectives of greater power per area and power per weight ratios. Aspects of advanced design include large area (8*8 cm), a thin (2.5 mil) silicon substrate, IR transparency (gridded back contacts), and wrap-through contacts. Cell types with these advances are described, and their performance is characterized. Various environmental tests were performed, and results are presented. Solar cells that incorporate this advanced technology are available or are currently in production.