Alternate Cover-Glass on Flexible, Light-Weight, Radiation Tolerant Solar Cells

Satellites are a key technology enabling persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).  Inverted metamorphic (IMM) solar cells could allow for new space-grade photovoltaic arrays that have less mass, operate at lower temperatures, with cost reductions.  Further enhancements to the application of alternate cover-glass covered IMM arrays will result in a low cost and robust technology that can be rapidly applied to custom arrays to meet Air Force rapid deployment requirements. The proposed technology to protect the solar cells is expected to reduce the assembly cost by at least 50% since large solar cell arrays could be produced with a single coverage. This is in contrast to conventional space solar cells where each individual solar cell is covered with cover glass.  In this proposal, MicroLink will research historical materials along with newer state of the art polymers for use in a laminated stack that will provide atomic oxygen, ultraviolet C, electron-proton radiation and charge dissipation on IMM solar arrays.  MicroLink will also attempt to ensure that the product is space qualified, meets stringent out-gassing requirements, can be potentially utilized on more than just the surface of the solar array, and provides good thermal emissivity for keeping the arrays and satellite at nominal operating temperatures.  Surface texturing is expected to be possible with advanced polymer technology which will enable increased solar energy capture for satellites that do not actively orientate onboard solar arrays towards the sun.