LIPS III-a solar cell test bed in space

The operation of the LIPS III spacecraft and the experiments placed aboard it are described. The purpose of the satellite is to provide a platform for long-term testing of innovative solar cells and concentrator systems. In all, 140 distinct I-V curves are measured from cells mounted on 30 panels provided by 18 different laboratories. Included are cells of GaAs, AlGaAs, InGaAs, silicon (crystalline and amorphous), InP and CuInSe/sub 2/. With the exception of one, all of the experiments aboard LIPS III are photovoltaic in nature. Two indium phosphide and three thin-film cell experiments are aboard LIPS III. Three concentrator concepts included among the LIPS III experiments are also briefly reviewed. The problems encountered are summarized.<>