Estimation of Solar Panels Available Power for a LEO Satellite in Detumbling Mode Based on Monte Carlo Analysis

According to the results, body-mounted solar panels, in overall, are able to produce a very noticeable percent of their nominal power values in a detumbling mode. Total generated power of each solar panel can be about 10% up to 35% of the nominal power at BOL. Even though the results are based on an assumed mission and angular velocity profile, it can be repeated for any other profile arising from the mission scenario and the ACS subsystem. The results also provide valuable recommendations for the designer on choosing more effective surfaces for solar panels mounting. In practice, there are a lot of constraints that force the designer to choose the best surfaces for mounting solar panels such as special devices which occupy specific surface (like antennas or cameras that should be mounted on specific locations) or the best configuration in nominal operation of satellite. Also the results help designers to consider enough margin for battery to support mission requirements.