Solar cell degradation observed by the Advanced Photovoltaic and Electronics experiments (APEX) satellite

This paper presents results from the Photovoltaic Array Space Power Plus Diagnostics (PASP Plus) experiment flown on board the Advanced Photovoltaic and Electronics experiment (APEX) satellite launched on 3 August 1994 into a 2552 km/spl times/363 km orbit with a 70/spl deg/ inclination. Results presented are based on 4576 orbits of data from 3 August 1994 to 11 August 1995. Fifteen solar arrays encompassing a wide range of solar cell materials and manufacturing techniques were flown. Comparisons between flight data and predicted performance based on the NASA AP8MIN proton model and methods described in the JPL Solar Cell Handbook are made.