Indium tin oxide coverings on solar panels for plasma-Spacecraft connection

Abstract

Via ground-based experiments, we were able to determine the I-V characteristic of indium tin oxide-coated glass in a simulated low Earth environment. We achieved a passive plasma contact by biasing a planar surface coated in a thin layer of indium tin oxide. We found that a thin layer of indium tin oxide-coated glass can facilitate current collection comparable to gold plating (order of magnitude) for the tested voltage range. This coated glass can also be used to cover solar panels, thus allowing a small spacecraft's limited surface area to serve a dual purpose.