Space Systems/loral, LLC

Robert E Neff

Howard E Pollard

Michael J McVey

Christopher F Hoeber

Cheryl J Ajluni

Improved solar cell circuit layouts and cell structures that protect solar arrays located on spacecraft disposed in geosynchronous earth orbit from electrostatic discharge. An insulating material, such as RTV adhesive, for example, is used as a barrier that disposed in intercell gaps between solar cells. The use of the insulating material modifies sparking in the gaps caused by electrostatic discharge so that, while the spark still occurs, it has different non-destructive characteristics. The use of the insulating material causes no damage to other solar cell materials, such as a Kapton insulating layer or substrate used to support the solar cells. Furthermore, unique solar cell wiring schemes are provided that limit the voltage between adjacent solar cells to 50 volts or less.

Solar array augmented electrostatic discharge for spacecraft in geosynchronous earth orbit

An optical inspection system for detecting cracks in a crystalline substrate. The crystalline substrate that is to be inspected is located in a test plane in the field of view of a video camera. A first collimated light source projects light which is passed through a long pass filter. The filtered collimated light is projected onto the reflective surface of a panel that contains surface irregularities in the same order as the wavelength of the filtered, collimated light. The light is diffused by the panel surface and reflected onto the crystalline substrate at a plurality of various angles. The light passes through the crystalline substrate and is reflected into the path of the field of view of the video camera and forms an object image from which a real image is created and may be viewed on a control monitor. Cracks in the solar cell silicon layer or glass covers can be observed on the control monitor, and printed by a video graphics printer or stored via a VCR for permanent documentation purposes.

Growing community of inventors

Fremont, CA, United States of America

Robert E Neff