Preliminary Flight Test Results From The Advanced Photovoltaic Experiment

The Advanced Photovoltaic Experiment was launched in April of 1984 as one of the Long Duration Exposure Facility set of experiments. Although originally intended for a one year lifetime, the experiment remained on orbit for nearly six years; retrieval occurring in January of this year. It was designed to provide reference cell standards for photovoltaic measurements as well as to investigate the solar spectrum and the effect of the space environment on solar cells. The electronic data acquisition system measured and recorded cell performance data over the first 358 days of flight; limited only by battery lifetime. Erosion of front surface paint, micrometeoroid and debris cratering and contamination are among the significant physical changes readily apparent after the flight.