On-orbit performance analysis on solar array paddle of X-ray astronomy satellite “Suzaku”

Abstract

This paper presents analysis results for the on-orbit performance of a solar array paddle of the X-ray astronomy satellite Suzaku. The current generated by the solar array was decreasing significantly for approximate one year after mid-2011. We estimated the degradation of the output by simulating the on-orbit environment according to the JPL prediction method. The analysis results indicate that the on-orbit degradation of the solar array paddle is greater than the predicted performance degradation in a space environment. We determined that the difference between the on-orbit data and the analysis results could be attributed to either an increase in cell temperature or radiation degradation due to solar flares.