Title :
Space proven GaAs solar cells-main power generation for CS-3
Author :
Takata, N. ; Kurakata, H. ; Matsuda, S. ; Okuno, T. ; Yoshida, S. ; Matsumoto, H. ; Goto, M. ; Ohkubo, M. ; Ohmura, M.
Abstract :
GaAs solar cells were used for the main solar array to satisfy the power requirement for the Japanese domestic communications satellite-3 (CS-3). The authors review the GaAs solar cell performance, reliability, and array assembly for CS-3 and present the on-orbit performance of CS-3 after launch in 1988. The annual radiation degradation rate of the CS03 GaAs solar array was found to be one fourth or one fifth that of the ETS-V and BS-2b Si solar arrays. It was clear from the flight data that the radiation hardness of GaAs solar cells was excellent in comparison with that of Si solar cells
Keywords :
III-V semiconductors; gallium arsenide; reliability; solar cell arrays; space vehicle power plants; CS-3; GaAs solar cells; Japanese domestic communications satellite-3; on-orbit performance; power generation; radiation degradation rate; radiation hardness; reliability; solar array; Artificial satellites; Assembly; Gallium arsenide; Photovoltaic cells; Power generation; Production; Rockets; Solar power generation; Substrates; Testing;
Conference_Titel :
Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, 1990., Conference Record of the Twenty First IEEE
Conference_Location :
Kissimmee, FL
DOI :
10.1109/PVSC.1990.111809
