Post-flight analysis of MISSE-8 advanced photovoltaic technologies

Advanced photovoltaic technologies were tested aboard the eighth Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE-8) as part of the third Forward Technology Solar Cell Experiment (FTSCE-III) over a period of approximately 26 months. The Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate in collaboration with the Naval Research Laboratory flew a myriad of experiments to evaluate advanced photovoltaic cell and material technologies. Such data is critical for technology development and future transition to operational use. These experiments were comprised of inverted metamorphic (IMM) and other thin film and advanced III-V cells from multiple vendors. In addition, quantum dot enhanced solar cells and advanced solar cell coverglass replacements were flow. This paper compares the pre and post flight characterization of these advanced technologies.