Fixed solar array designs for GPS space vehicles

A risk reduction approach for the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) replenishment satellite block which uses fixed rather than tracking solar arrays is described. This design study was carried out as a result of reliability and electromagnetic interference (EMI) concerns with solar array drive power and transfer systems (SADPT). Fixed solar array designs eliminate the need for a SADPT, but result in larger arrays than tracking arrays in order to maintain acceptable end-of-life (EOL) performance. The weight increase due to the larger array is partially compensated for by the elimination of the SADPT. If advanced solar arrays and/or lightweight array designs are used, fixed array designs can lead to weight savings over baseline silicon cell-based designs.<>