The effectiveness of photovoltaic solar cells as an electrical power source for space vehicles

The general characteristics of a solar cell are reviewed and the effect of these characteristics on solar panel design and the performance of the cell in the space environment are discussed. The design considerations for solar panel structures are presented along with the flight acceptance testing and type approval testing to which the panel is subjected. The relative effectiveness of solar panels on Earth orbiters, Lunar probes and interplanetary flights are shown. Specific design details of the Ranger (lunar) and Mariner (Venus and Mars) type solar cell power supplies are presented. Flight data on Ranger III is presented.