Selected on-orbit data from the FTSCE II aboard the MISSE 7 testbed

The 2
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Forward Technology Solar Cell Experiment (FTSCE II) that flew as part of the 7
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Materials on the International Space Station Experiments (MISSE 7) successfully flew on orbit for 18 months from 23 November 2009 to 20 May 2011. The Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate in collaboration with the Naval Research Laboratory flew a myriad of experiments to evaluate advanced photovoltaic technologies. Such data is critical for technology development and future transition to operational use. Applications of the data include validating ground test protocols and assessing LEO environmental effects (atomic oxygen, ultraviolet radiation, thermal cycling, etc.). In addition to reducing risk to future spacecraft, research and development risks are reduced through early technology assessment for space operation. These experiments were comprised of triple-junction production as well as advanced inverted metamorphic (IMM) and other thin film III-V cells from multiple vendors. In addition to the III-V based devices an experiment was included to evaluate advanced amorphous silicon concepts. The methodology and analysis of the on-orbit data collected during the mission is presented here.