Pico-Satellite Solar Cell Testbed Qualification Testing

The Aerospace Corporation has developed and demonstrated key components of a power system that include mission-enabling technologies for the deployment of pico-satellites in space. A new project, Pico-Satellite Solar Cell Testbed (PSSCT), has support from key players in the aerospace community is expected to be manifested for a shuttle launch in 2006. The PSSCT program is designed for rapid space environment testing of the next generation solar cells, including measuring IV curves, in space. The first mission is expected to be flown in a LEO space station orbit while future missions are planned with a GEO transfer orbit for accelerated life testing of solar cells due to the high radiation environment in this orbit. This paper will present the qualification testing for the PSSCT program