Analytic Model for Low Earth Orbit Satellite Solar Power

An analytic model for calculating the instantaneous and average orbital power available to a satellite in a circular low Earth orbit is presented. By accounting for the effects of angle of solar incidence and eclipsing, for both stabilized and tumbling satellites, this model allows for fast, simple, accurate calculations of available power without the use of complex, often expensive, numerical simulation software. In addition, this method provides the value of maximum and minimum solar power available.