Basic results of post-flight researches of solar array (SA) returned to the Earth from the orbital space station "MIR" after 10.5 years of operation

Visual control and instrumental analysis of electrical, optical, mechanical and thermophysical parameters were conducted with the SA returned to the Earth after 10.5 years exposure in LEO environment. The chemical analysis of the contamination was done, the influence of meteoroid environment on the surface condition of SA was defined. The main reason connected with SA partial shadowing and SA degradation mechanism under the influence of this factor are established.