Deep Space Thermal Cycle Testing of Advanced X-Ray Astrophysics Facility - Imaging (AXAF-I) Solar Array Panels Test.
Abstract
The NASA Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility - Imaging (AXAF-I) satellite will be exposed to thermal conditions beyond normal experience flight temperatures due to the satellite's high elliptical orbital flight. The solar panels, solar cells, wiring, adhesives, and connectors have never been tested at temperatures below -175 C (98.15 K). Two developmental solar array panels (DVT), 16 in. square by 1-in. thick each, were thermally cycled in Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) 7A Thermal Vacuum Chamber. Upon material validation, a Proto-flight solar array panel, approximately 7-ft square by 2-in. thick, was assembled and thermally cycled in AEDC's 10V Thermal Vacuum Chamber. The primary objective of test phase 1 was to thermally cycle two solar array sub-panels. Performance parameters validated included temperature cycling fatigue, model validation, solar cell sandwich stack separation, solar cell continuity, solar cell adhesive evaluation, on-board wiring evaluation, connector capability, and laminated panel survivability. The solar panels underwent three separate pumpdowns comprised of thermal cycles, 1-8, 9-89, 90-153, totaling 153 thermal cycles. Thermal cycles 1-8 ranged the panel's temperature from 72 deg C to -201 C and thermal cycles 9-153 ranged the panel's temperature from 62 C to -191 C. AEDC's 7A Thermal Vacuum Chamber provided the necessary environment to perform theses evaluations. The primary objective of test phase 2 was to thermally cycle a Proto-flight solar array panel. Performance parameters to be validated included the DVT's lessons learned and workmanship factor from the small DVT's to the full-scale solar panel array. The solar panel underwent 11-1/2 thermal cycles ranging from 72 C to -196 C.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA325408
Entities
People
- B. L. Selber
- Jimmy D. Sisco
- R. A. Dawbarn
Organizations
- Arnold Engineering Development Complex