Session
Technical Session I: Advanced Technologies I
Abstract
Small satellites used in satellite constellations require high-performance, reliable solar power. Even with constellation redundancy, the risk to mission performance of solar panel failure is significant, and so extensive qualification and acceptance testing is normally implemented to assure reliability of customized solar panel designs To minimize these costs and risks, a modular, laminated solar panel design has been developed that combines highefficiency solar cells and space-qualified materials with design standardization and automation to allow panels to be manufactured in a production environment. The modularity of this technology supports a variety of Smallsat footprints without the need for customization. Advanced modules have been developed, including ones that incorporate a multi-cell transparent coverglass replacement layer, insulating substrate, interconnects, diodes and wiring, that enables the solar cell pick-and-place, auto-bonding, and panel laminating that characterize lower cost robust terrestrial solar panels. This significantly reduces the cost by eliminating the most expensive labor- and schedule-intensive elements of solar panel assembly, as well as eliminating the non-recurring engineering and qualification costs of each customized solar panels.
Presentation Slides
High-Performance, Reliable Solar Power for Smallsat Constellations
Small satellites used in satellite constellations require high-performance, reliable solar power. Even with constellation redundancy, the risk to mission performance of solar panel failure is significant, and so extensive qualification and acceptance testing is normally implemented to assure reliability of customized solar panel designs To minimize these costs and risks, a modular, laminated solar panel design has been developed that combines highefficiency solar cells and space-qualified materials with design standardization and automation to allow panels to be manufactured in a production environment. The modularity of this technology supports a variety of Smallsat footprints without the need for customization. Advanced modules have been developed, including ones that incorporate a multi-cell transparent coverglass replacement layer, insulating substrate, interconnects, diodes and wiring, that enables the solar cell pick-and-place, auto-bonding, and panel laminating that characterize lower cost robust terrestrial solar panels. This significantly reduces the cost by eliminating the most expensive labor- and schedule-intensive elements of solar panel assembly, as well as eliminating the non-recurring engineering and qualification costs of each customized solar panels.
