In orbit performance of the UNISAT terrestrial technology solar panels

The UNISAT microsatellite solar panels are manufactured using a terrestrial technology solar panel fabrication technique, with some modification to improve reliability and make the system withstand the launch and space environment. The solar cells are encapsulated between two layers made of a special sunlight transparent polymer, resistant to UV exposure and with very good mechanical properties. This technology, available at Eurosolare. has been employed for many years in terrestrial applications, including extreme environments, such as the Antartic polar region and Sahara desert, but there is no space flight experience. The ground tests performed for the UNISAT solar panels predict a reliable lifetime of about one year and data collected show also their good electrical performance in orbit. The UNISAT experience shows that in low cost space missions terrestrial technology solar panels can be employed, leaving the designer free to choose the most appropriate solar cell size and to cut down costs and development time.