Solar panels on spacecraft[edit]

Spacecraft operating in the inner solar system usually rely on the use of photovoltaic solar panels to derive electricity from sunlight. In the outer solar system, where the sunlight is too weak to produce sufficient power, radioisotope thermal generators (RTGs) are used as a power source.^[1]

History[edit]

The first spacecraft to use solar panels was the Vanguard 1 satellite, launched by the US in 1958. This was largely because of the influence of Dr. Hans Ziegler, who can be regarded as the father of spacecraft solar power.^[2] Of his 30 year tenure at Fort Monmouth (1947–1976), Ziegler spent 12 years in the top position as Chief Scientist.^[3]

Uses[edit]

Implementation[edit]

Types of solar cells typically used[edit]

Spacecraft that have used solar power[edit]

Power available[edit]

Future uses[edit]

References[edit]

^ NASA JPL Publication: Basics of Space Flight, Chapter 11. Typical Onboard Systems , Electrical Power Supply and Distribution Subsystems, http://www2.jpl.nasa.gov/basics/bsf11-3.html
^ Perlin, John (Pub date unknown). "Late 1950s - Saved by the Space Race". SOLAR EVOLUTION - The History of Solar Energy. The Rahus Institute. Retrieved 2007-02-25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
^ IEEE Archival Collection

[EPSD-1] NASA JPL Publication: Basics of Space Flight, Chapter 11. Typical Onboard Systems , Electrical Power Supply and Distribution Subsystems, http://www2.jpl.nasa.gov/basics/bsf11-3.html

[2] Perlin, John (Pub date unknown). "Late 1950s - Saved by the Space Race". SOLAR EVOLUTION - The History of Solar Energy. The Rahus Institute. Retrieved 2007-02-25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

[3] IEEE Archival Collection

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User:Fnhlm/Solar panels on spacecraft