Deep-Space Solar Array Power Prediction Using Monte Carlo Simulation with Low-Intensity/Room-Temperature and Low- Intensity/Low-Temperature Solar Cell Ground Test Data

SSL is designing and building solar arrays for a deep-space mission at 3.33 astronomical units (AU). For the initial ground evaluation of solar cells, a sample set of 180 solar cells were tested under Low-Intensity/Room-Temperature (LIRT) conditions and Low Intensity/Low Temperature (LILT) conditions. In this paper, we will discuss the correlation evaluation of the solar cell performance between LIRT and LILT conditions. From this correlation, the SSL design team has devised a new power analysis methodology using Monte Carlo simulation of the solar cells tested under LILT conditions, with the knowledge of the production solar cell performance under LIRT conditions.