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Advanced Solar Cell and Array Technology for NASA Deep Space MissionsA recent study by the NASA Glenn Research Center assessed the feasibility of using photovoltaics (PV) to power spacecraft for outer planetary, deep space missions. While the majority of spacecraft have relied on photovoltaics for primary power, the drastic reduction in solar intensity as the spacecraft moves farther from the sun has either limited the power available (severely curtailing scientific operations) or necessitated the use of nuclear systems. A desire by NASA and the scientific community to explore various bodies in the outer solar system and conduct "long-term" operations using using smaller, "lower-cost" spacecraft has renewed interest in exploring the feasibility of using photovoltaics for to Jupiter, Saturn and beyond. With recent advances in solar cell performance and continuing development in lightweight, high power solar array technology, the study determined that photovoltaics is indeed a viable option for many of these missions.
Document ID
20090007813
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Piszczor, Michael
(ASRC Aerospace Corp. Cleveland, OH, United States)
Benson, Scott
(ASRC Aerospace Corp. Cleveland, OH, United States)
Scheiman, David
(ASRC Aerospace Corp. Cleveland, OH, United States)
Finacannon, Homer
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Oleson, Steve
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Landis, Geoffrey
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
May 16, 2008
Subject Category
Solar Physics
Report/Patent Number
E-16814-1
Meeting Information
Meeting: 33rd IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
Location: California
Country: United States
Start Date: May 11, 2008
End Date: May 16, 2008
Sponsors: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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