NPS-SCAT (Solar Cell Array Tester), The Construction of NPS' First Prototype CubeSat

Abstract

Large, expensive satellites have had failures or degraded missions due to solar cells that had not been tested in the space environment. To address these issues, a solar cell testing CubeSat prototype has been developed as part of the Space Systems Academic Group CubeSat program. This prototype provides a dedicated and responsive solution to testing solar cells in space and, as the first CubeSat built at NPS, it gives valuable experience that will encourage CubeSat projects at NPS in the future. This Master's Thesis describes the NPS-SCAT (solar cell array tester) project, including the author's experience as program manager of the project, responsible for budget, schedule and technical deliverables. This thesis explains in detail the process that was used to develop the prototype and gives recommendations for the flight unit. An important conclusion of this thesis is that CubeSats show great promise for hands-on education and as potential platforms to conduct focused research of national interest.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2008
Accession Number
ADA488676

Entities

People

  • Alexander L. Bein

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Sensors
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Attitude Control Systems
  • Cells
  • Computer Programming
  • Control Systems
  • Data Storage Systems
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Measurement
  • Small Satellites
  • Solar Cells
  • Solar Energy
  • Solar Panels
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Students
  • Test Equipment
  • Voltage

Readers

  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Research Science/Academic Research
  • Solar Photovoltaics and Thermoelectric Devices.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites