Shape Maintaining of Ultra-lightweight Thin-Film Power Generation System

Abstract

A spacecraft requires lightweight power generation system. We are developing a lightweight flexible power generation system that uses thin film photovoltaic cells for a planetary exploration spacecraft. Because thin film solar cell on polyimide film has asymmetric and multi-layer structure, it will bend with changes in temperature in the space environment. To make ultra-lightweight flat thin film solar array which can be used in a space environment, we study about shape control by surface coating utilizing oxide materials on the solar array and durability against space environment. We describe experimental results in order to calculate the internal stress of the coating layer, predict the shape of the coated films and confirm the durability against space environment of the coated thin film solar cells.