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Manufacture of Solar Cells on the MoonIn support of the space exploration initiative a new architecture for the production of solar cells on the lunar surface is devised. The paper discusses experimental data on the fabrication and properties of lunar glass substrates, evaporated lunar regolith thin film (antireflect coatings and insulators), and preliminary attempts in the fabrication of thin film (silicon/II-VI) photovoltaic materials on lunar regolith substrates. A conceptual design for a solar powered robotic rover capable of fabricating solar cells directly on the lunar surface is provided. Technical challenges in the development of such a facility and strategies to alleviate perceived difficulties are discussed. Finally, preliminary cost benefit ratio analysis for different in situ solar cell production scenarios (using exclusively in-situ planetary resources or hybrid) are discussed.
Document ID
20050110155
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Freundich, Alex
(Houston Univ. TX, United States)
Ignatiev, Alex
(Houston Univ. TX, United States)
Horton, Charles
(Houston Univ. TX, United States)
Duke, Mike
(Colorado School of Mines Golden, CO, United States)
Curren, Peter
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Sibille, Laurent
(BAE Systems Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
September 7, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2005
Subject Category
Space Processing
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
No Preview Available