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Power Losses of Solar Arrays under the Action of an Environment in a Geosynchronous Orbit

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Abstract

We derive calculated and experimental relations characterizing the reduction in the electric power of solar arrays under prolonged (∼10 years) action of the environment in orbit. The influence of separate factors related to the environment on the loss of solar arrays power is studied. The following factors are considered: ionizing and ultraviolet emissions, contamination of protective glass by the products of destruction of the outer surface materials of spacecraft, thermal cycling, radiation electrization, and plasma thrusters plumes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Engineering Mechanics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine

    V. A. Shuvalov, G. S. Kochubei, V. V. Gubin & N. A. Tokmak

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  1. V. A. Shuvalov
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  2. G. S. Kochubei
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  3. V. V. Gubin
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  4. N. A. Tokmak
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__________

Translated from Kosmicheskie Issledovaniya, Vol. 43, No. 4, 2005, pp. 274–282.

Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Shuvalov, Kochubei, Gubin, Tokmak.

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Shuvalov, V.A., Kochubei, G.S., Gubin, V.V. et al. Power Losses of Solar Arrays under the Action of an Environment in a Geosynchronous Orbit. Cosmic Res 43, 259–267 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10604-005-0044-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10604-005-0044-2

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