Manufacturing experience with GaInP/sub 2//GaAs/Ge solar panels for space demonstration

TECSTAR has begun production of dual-junction GaInP/sub 2//GaAs/Ge solar cells for space power applications and has used these high-performance cells to manufacture several solar panels for critical technology demonstration. All cell and panel manufacturing was performed at TECSTAR's existing facilities using standard processing techniques. Hardware has been developed for the NASA SSTI "Clark" and "Lewis" spacecraft (launch 1996), NASA TRACE (launch 1998) and the Phillips Laboratory Mightysat I (launch 1998). Additionally, a panel coupon has been built for laboratory evaluation. These important technology demonstration activities are reported, including performance results.