RADIATION DAMAGE TO ORBITING SOLAR CELLS AND TRANSISTORS
Abstract
In-flight solar cell degradation studies began with the launching of the 1961-01 satellite on June 29, 1961. Similar experiments were flown on the 1961-alpha eta and 1961-alpha eta 2 satellites. Data obtained from these satellites cover a time period both before and after Operation Starfish on July 9, 1962. Subsequently solar cell and electronic experiments were flown on satellites 1962-beta eta, ANNA I-B, 1963-38C, and 1964-83C. The data indicate that the damage to solar cells in a 1000 km orbit during the early months after Operation Starfish may not have been mostly a result of fission spectrum electrons. Although many energetic electrons were introduced into the inner belt, it is indicated that some high energy (>4.5 mev) protons were redistributed to altitudes including 1000 km. The results of flight experiments indicate that optimum power-to-weight ratio solar arrays will be obtained by use of N-on-P solar cells with 6 mil glass covers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0657155
Entities
People
- J. H. Martin
- R. E. Fischell
- W. E. Allen
- W. E. Radford
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University