AlSat-1B Solar Array Assembly Design and Flight Qualification

Abstract

This paper aims to highlight the key parameters of AlSat-1B solar panels and discuss the design of body-mounted solar panels assembly used as heritage for SSTL-100 bus to build AlSat-1B. It provides an overview of the AlSat-1B GaAs/Ge solar cells on aluminum faceskin solar panels and provides the key specifications of power system to meet the mission design requirements. The paper also addresses the electrical and mechanical design modifications performed on AlSat-1B solar panels and changes from previous SSTL-100 bus heritage. The solar panels have been successfully acceptance tested at bench and spacecraft levels and are currently in operation for three years. The in-orbit telemetry data show the panels work within nominal design limits.