Design and flight performance of the Pioneer Venus Multiprobe and Orbiter solar arrays

The designs of the solar arrays for the Pioneer Venus Orbiter and Multiprobe spacecraft are described, and the power output predicted for these arrays is compared with the in-space performance. The Orbiter solar array was designed to produce a minimum of 329 W at 28 V after 243 days in Venus orbit, except during eclipses and periapsis phases, when battery power was to be used. After 492 days in orbit, this solar array was producing 365.3 W at 29.6 V, exceeding its design objectives. The Multiprobe solar array produced sufficient power at low sun angles to effect the release of the large probe and the three small probes and to power the scientific instruments onboard the spacecraft during its approach and destructive entry into the Venusian atmosphere.