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PASP, a high voltage array/plasma interaction experimentThe author discusses the photovoltaic array space power (PASP) experiment, which is designed to obtain data on the interaction between high-voltage photovoltaic arrays and the polar, low-earth plasma environment. Up to six small test arrays (three each of planar and concentrator designs) can be voltage biased over a range of +/- 500 V. During the bias voltage sequence, the array current leakage is measured and array arc events are monitored. If any arcing occurs the arc characteristics will be measured by a transient pulse monitor. An emitter is included to allow voltage bias to be applied to a plasma-charged or uncharged spacecraft. Similarly, the frames of the concentrator arrays can be left floating or can be tied to the negative array terminal. An environmental data scan is made before each bias voltage sequence. This scan collects information on the plasma, array-current-versus-voltage curves, and neutral particle partial pressure. The requirement for high voltages created problems which were met by circuit isolation and logical fault protection.
Document ID
19920067958
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Burger, Dale R.
(JPL Pasadena, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1991
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Meeting Information
Meeting: IECEC ''91: Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference
Location: Boston, MA
Country: United States
Start Date: August 4, 1991
End Date: August 9, 1991
Accession Number
92A50582
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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