Photovoltaic cell and array technology development for future unique NASA missions

A technology review committee from NASA, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) was formed to assess solar cell and array technologies required for future NASA science missions. After consulting with mission planning offices, solar cell and array manufacturers, universities, and research laboratories, the committee assessed the state of the art of solar cells and arrays and made a comparison with projected needs. A technology development program was proposed in high-efficiency cells, electrostatically clean arrays, high-temperature solar arrays, high-power arrays for solar electric propulsion, low-intensity/low-temperature array conditions for deep-space mission, high-radiation missions, and Mars arrays that operate in dusty environments.