Post-flight investigation programmes of recently retrieved solar generators
In 1993 two ESA solar power generators were successfully retrieved from space: EURECA with its 10 panel rigid array in August, after 11 months in a 500 km orbit, and one of the two flexible Hubble Space Telescope (HST) arrays in December, after almost 4 years in a 600 km orbit. Both solar generators are undergoing separate post-flight investigation programs (PFIP). These programs cover investigations of all solar array (SA) components and mechanisms. Since both programs have much in common, most of the component and material investigations are the same. Extremely valuable information on numerous essential subjects, such as atomic oxygen, radiation, meteoroid and space debris environment resulting damage, low cycle fatigue, material degradation, etc. are expected to be obtained for both types of arrays. The authors will also be able to explain and understand the anomalies experienced on both solar arrays in orbit. The paper will outline both post-flight investigation programs and will concentrate on reporting the first results and findings.
- Research Organization:
- NASA Lewis Research Center, Cleveland, OH (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 36439
- Report Number(s):
- N-95-20502; NASA-CP-3278; E-9083; NAS-1.55:3278; CONF-9406314-; TRN: 9520531
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 13. space photovoltaic research and technology conference, Cleveland, OH (United States), 14-16 Jun 1994; Other Information: PBD: Sep 1994; Related Information: Is Part Of Proceedings of the 13th Space Photovoltaic Research and Technology Conference (SPRAT 13); PB: 421 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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