How Solar Panels Work In Space

Solar panel is a part that can be extended and closed when attached to a controllable vehicle.

How solar panels work in space.

Power for spacecraft propulsion electric propulsion sometimes called solar electric propulsion. For both uses a key figure of merit of the solar panels is the specific power watts generated divided by solar array mass which indicates on a relative basis how much. Nasa s grapefruit sized vanguard 1 satellite was the first to use solar cells when it was launched in 1958 and solar panels are still used extensively in space. On earth in ideal conditions think sahara you get.

These panels convert solar power into either a microwave or a laser and beam uninterrupted power. Another similar part is the solar panel array. Solar panels on spacecraft supply power for two main uses. Solar panels actually work much better in space than on earth for a long series of reason.

This means in order to make a base sustainable you re looking at a maximum of 300kw of consumption. Power to run the sensors active heating cooling and telemetry. The best way to make use of solar energy is to set up device grouping in the control panel. At earth s distance from the sun solar flux is 1400 w m.

When it is extended it can generate 1 unit of electricity per second statically. Both parts function in similar capacities however the array with its larger. How does it work. A standard solar panel also known as a solar module consists of a layer of silicon cells a metal frame a glass casing and various wiring to allow current to flow from the silicon cells silicon atomic 14 on the periodic table is a nonmetal with conductive properties that allow it to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity.

Self assembling satellites are launched into space along with reflectors and a microwave or laser power transmitter. 1 the sun is not dimmed by the atmosphere. As a guide each panel can produce 50 60kw of power so you can produce up to about 1mw of power. Space based solar power sbsp is the concept of collecting solar power in outer space and distributing it to earth potential advantages of collecting solar energy in space include a higher collection rate and a longer collection period due to the lack of a diffusing atmosphere and the possibility of placing a solar collector in an orbiting location where there is no night.