Distributed Power System for Microsatellites
Abstract
The Aerospace Corporation has independently developed a distributed "Ring Bus" electric power system for Picosatellites. This distributed power system architecture is being implemented on a number of upcoming Picosatellite missions. The first implementations of this architecture will be flown on the PowerSphere Flight Experiment and the Pico Satellite Inflatable Reflector Experiment (PSIREX). To date not all Picosatellite missions have attitude control or deployable solar array structures. Solar cells are body mounted on the various sides of the Picosatellite. The "Ring Bus" architecture was conceived to solve the problem of obtaining maximum electric power from a solar array with multiple panels that are not arranged on a single planar surface. Aerospace Corporation researchers working on developing viable power systems for Picosatellites were awarded patents 6,127,621 October 2, 2000, "Power Sphere;" and 6,396,167 May 28, 2002, "Power Distribution System" for this unique solution for distributed power system architecture for a multifaceted solar array. The authors have developed a prototype of the ring bus and have completed initial testing of its performance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 15, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA430957
Entities
People
- D. Hinkley
- D. Rumsey
- E. J. Simburger
- P. Carian
- Siqing Liu