The EOS-PM1 solar array

摘要

A large area silicon solar array is under construction for use on the NASA/GSFC remote sensing EOS-PM1 spacecraft. This single wing array has been designed to provide 4.4kW at 52 V after six years in a low earth polar orbit. The flatpack configuration includes design features such as soldered solar cell interconnections, low cost silicon solar cells, large rigid panels and a complex deployment mechanism. The main structural elements are derived from the ENVISAT solar array. Design modifications of the hold down mechanism and the deployment system are implemented for this application. The two inboard panels are reduced in size and are not covered with solar cells. The twelve full-size panels are each equipped with 1,716 BSFR solar cells of dimension 3.8 cm x 5.9 cm x 200 mum, with 150 mum coversheets. The power system will operate the solar array between open-circuit voltage and maximum-power voltage. This paper presents the design requirements and design details of the EOS-PM1 solar array wing. It provides a status of the solar array development program and presents the performance of the mechanical and electrical components. Lessons learned and test results to date are presented.