Title :
The GaAs deployable solar array for SAC-B
Author :
Caon, A. ; Brambilla, L. ; Contini, R. ; D´Accolti, G. ; Rossi, E. ; Verzeni, G. ; Flores, C. ; Paletta, F. ; Pedrazzoli, G. ; Grattarola, M. ; Svelto, F. ; Ibba, R.
Author_Institution :
FIAR SpA, Italy
Abstract :
SAC-B is an Argentinian scientific satellite, planned for launch in 1995 into a 550 km circular orbit by Pegasus vehicle for a 3 years mission. The solar array is made up of 4 deployable panels, embodying approximately 1000 LPE GaAs solar cells (30×41 mm2), capable of providing 215 W at 28 V at end of life. The mechanical structure of each panel comprises of an aluminium honeycomb structure with carbon fiber skins; the active facesheet is covered with an insulating layer of fiber glass. Each panel is attached via a pair of hinges to the spacecraft body while a restraint/realise mechanism holds the other panel edge to the spacecraft. Several environmental tests (including thermal vacuum, vibration and shock separation) are foreseen at panel and/or satellite level to verify performances during the mission
Keywords :
III-V semiconductors; aerospace testing; artificial satellites; gallium arsenide; photovoltaic power systems; semiconductor device testing; solar cell arrays; solar cells; space vehicle power plants; 215 W; 28 V; 3 y; 30 mm; 41 mm; 550 km; GaAs; LPE growth; SAC-B satellite; deployable solar array; environmental tests; honeycomb structure; mechanical structure; performance; space power; spacecraft body; Aluminum; Building integrated photovoltaics; Gallium arsenide; Honeycomb structures; Insulation; Optical fiber testing; Photovoltaic cells; Satellites; Skin; Space vehicles;
Conference_Titel :
Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, 1994., Conference Record of the Twenty Fourth. IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference - 1994, 1994 IEEE First World Conference on
Conference_Location :
Waikoloa, HI
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-1460-3
DOI :
10.1109/WCPEC.1994.520764
