Conversion from full array shunt to partial array shunt topology for two small Explorer-class, near-Earth orbiting scientific satellites

The Space Power Applications Branch of NASA, Goddard Space Flight Center is designing an improved power subsystem for two Small Explorer-class (SMEX) spacecraft. These spacecraft, the Transition Region And Coronal Explorer (TRACE), and the Widefield infrared Explorer (WIRE) are technological descendants of the SMEX Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite (SWAS) spacecraft and share much of its heritage. Refinements have been made to the SWAS power subsystem architecture to take advantage of partial array shunt technology that will make it more dependable and efficient. Additionally, by identifying and targeting the solar array as the subsystem schedule and budget “tall pole” and designing to reduce that particular component´s complexity, the team will provide a spacecraft power subsystem of increased reliability and reduced cost while proving technology for future small Explorer missions