Space proven GaAs solar cells-main power generation for CS-3

GaAs solar cells were used for the main solar array to satisfy the power requirement for the Japanese domestic communications satellite-3 (CS-3). The authors review the GaAs solar cell performance, reliability, and array assembly for CS-3 and present the on-orbit performance of CS-3 after launch in 1988. The annual radiation degradation rate of the CS03 GaAs solar array was found to be one fourth or one fifth that of the ETS-V and BS-2b Si solar arrays. It was clear from the flight data that the radiation hardness of GaAs solar cells was excellent in comparison with that of Si solar cells.<
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