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Exploring PV on the Red Planet: Mars Array Technology Experiment and Dust Accumulation and Removal TechnologyThe environment on the surface of Mars is different in several critical ways from the orbital environment in which space solar arrays normally operate. Some important differences are: 1) Low intensity, low temperature operation; 2) Spectrum modified by atmospheric dust, varies with time; 3) Indirect sunlight; 4) Possibility of dust atoms at some times of year; 5) Deposited dust; 6) Wind; 7) Peroxide-rich reactive soil. We are developing two experiments to test operation of solar arrays on the surface of Mars, to be flown on the 2001 Surveyor Lander mission. The Mars Array Technology Experiment (MATE) will test the operation of several types of solar cells under Mars conditions, and determine the direct and scattered solar spectrum at the surface. The Dust Accumulation and Removal Technology (DART) experiment will monitor the amount of dust deposition on a target solar cell, measure the characteristics of the dust, and test the feasibility of dust removal.
Document ID
20040142241
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Landis, Geoffrey A.
(Ohio Aerospace Inst. Brook Park, OH, United States)
Baraona, Cosmo
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Brinker, David
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Schelman, David
(NYMA, Inc. Brook Park, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
September 7, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 2004
Publication Information
Publication: Proceedings of the 15th Space Photovoltaic Research and Technology Conference
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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