Conductive Space Solar Cell Coverglass Replacement Technology

摘要

A flexible space solar cell coverglass replacement called Pseudomorphic Glass (PMG) has been under investigation in hopes of providing a robust, flexible, high transmissivity replacement for conventional coverglass. PMG is composed of conventional cover glass and/or fused silica in the form of small spheres incorporated in a variety of polymer matrices. The glass spheres provide the primary radiation protection and the polymer matrix provides the mechanical integrity. PMG development has recently focused on technologies for providing the electrical conductivity required to dissipate environmental charging, even in the presence of electric propulsion plumes.