A SOLAR ARRAY MONITOR FOR GEOS-2.
Abstract
Anomalous solar array behavior on the GEOS-1 geodetic satellite (Explorer XXIX) nearly caused the loss of the satellite's main battery. This incident prompted a decision to design and fly a device to monitor the solar array performance of the subsequent geodetic satellite (GEOS-2). The Solar Array Monitor (SAM) described in this memorandum is a solid-state device that integrates the current output of each of the three solar arrays aboard the GEOS-2 satellite. The three sets of integrated current data are telemetered to ground stations in digital form so that the solar array performance may be accurately and efficiently evaluated. The information provided by SAM, along with a judicious selection of satellite loads, offer a practical method of maintaining a healthy GEOS-2 power system. The 1% accuracy of the SAM allows more nearly ideal power budgeting. Thus, not only does the SAM help maintain an optimally functioning power system but also it increases the power available for useful work in the satellite. Results from data taken in orbit are presented and circuit design and performance are described. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0677274
Entities
People
- Daniel P. Peletier
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory