Annular Arrays Of Solar Cells For Spinning Spacecraft

Report proposes annular arrays of solar photovoltaic cells installed on spin-stabilized spacecraft. Annular array faces Sun. Typical array consists of two stacked annuli of solar cells: one annulus fixed about spin axis, while other divided into deployable sectors mounted on dual swing arms and stowed by folding them atop fixed annulus. Once released, deployable sectors swing outward under spring or centrifugal force and expose fixed array so it generates additional power.