OPTICAL, RADIATION AND THERMAL CYCLING LOSSES OF POWER SOLAR ARRAY RETURNED FROM ORBITAL STATION 'MIR' AFTER 10.5 YEARS OF OPERATION

摘要

Generalized analysis of the results mountable solar array (MSA) degradation studies after prolonged exposure in low Earth orbit (LEO) is made. The studies gave a unique opportunity to reveal new information on the influence of the space environment on solar array materials and components, determine the degree of degradation and understand the mechanism of their degradation. It was determined that the degrees of power and current degradation in MSA are high and non- uniform. Most of the solar cell blocks and single cells materials, structure assemblages and components had stood up to more than 10 years exposure in LEO environment satisfactorily. Thermocycle effects and optical performance decrease are the main causes of power and current losses in undamaged solar cells.