NPS-SCAT CONOPS and Radiation Environment

Abstract

Solar cells are the primary energy-collection agents used onboard spacecraft converting energy from the sun into electricity. With solar cells being the main source of power for satellites, it is important to know how they operate and degrade when exposed to the harsh environment of low earth orbit. The objective of this thesis is to estimate the solar cell degradation that will be experienced on orbit due to radiation. This linked with the mission of the NPS-SCAT providing a quantitative measurement on orbit of how solar cells degrade over time can reduce risk of expensive national satellite by providing real-life solar cells exposure to threats of the space environment. A secondary goal of this thesis is to build and present a representation of the CONOPs (concept of operations) that describes the functionality expected on orbit. Coordination with the software programmers as well as the staff to set robust functionality is the goal for the CONOPs. This software package will be programmed into the two 1U flight certified CubeSats as their standard programming once implementation and testing have been completed.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2012
Accession Number
ADA562979

Entities

People

  • Adam L. Hill

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Computer Programming
  • Cosmic Rays
  • Earth Orbits
  • Energy
  • Ionizing Radiation
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Measurement
  • Radiation
  • Solar Cells
  • Solar Panels
  • Space Debris
  • Space Environments
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Students
  • Systems Engineering

Readers

  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Software Engineering.
  • Solar Photovoltaics and Thermoelectric Devices.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites