EPS performance predictions support TOPEX/Poseidon spacecraft mission beyond design goal of 5 years

Conference · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:163393

Chetty, P R.K.; Doherty, M ^[1]; Sherwood, R ^[2]

---

1. Orbital Sciences Corp., Germantown, MD (United States)
2. California Inst. of Technology, Pasadena, CA (United States). Jet Propulsion Lab.

TOPEX/Poseidon is a scientific satellite, launched successfully on August 10,1992 to map the surface topology of the earth`s oceans. The electrical power system for this satellite consists of the following elements: a single wing solar array, a solar array drive and power transfer assembly, a peak power tracker, and storage batteries. The satellite`s electronics are designed for a three-year primary mission. Because of a potential mission extension, the solar array, batteries, and propellant are sized for a five year mission goal. This paper addresses on overview of the EPS and then performance predictions beyond five years are made. The EPS will meet all the mission requirements of the TOPEX/Poseidon Spacecraft for seven years.

• OSTI ID: 163393
• Report Number(s): CONF-950729--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
FAILURE MODE ANALYSIS
FORECASTING
METEOROLOGY
NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERIES
OCEANOGRAPHY
PERFORMANCE
SATELLITES
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEMS
SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLIES