Final qualification test results of XTJ triple junction space solar cell to AIAA - S-111 - 2005 and Spectrolab test standards

Spectrolab successfully completed the qualification of its latest and final triple junction space solar cell, 30% class XTJ (neXt Triple Junction), per AIAA S-111-2005 and Spectrolab test standards. The final qualification and characterization test results are presented in this paper. XTJ exhibits a 4.2 % power gain over Spectrolab's current space PV, UTJ, at both beginning of life and end of life. Moreover, nearly 3% lower solar absorptance of XTJ allows for a cooler operating temperature in a typical GEO mission. XTJ showed excellent front and backside welding contact integrities, insensitivity to ESDS, and negligible loss from humidity and GEO thermal cycle tests. Currently Spectrolab's large area XTJ (59.65cm
²
) is undergoing qualification per Spectrolab specified test standards.