Editor's Note: This is the abstract that describes the report "Solar Cell and Array Technology for Future Space Science Missions." The research was carried out at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under a contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Abstract

This report provides an assessment of the state of practice of solar cell and array technology and compares this with the needs for new capabilities in solar cell and array technology for future NASA Space Science missions. From this comparison, gaps are identified where existing capabilities do not meet mission needs. In some cases, ongoing technology development programs will contribute to filling these gaps, but in several important cases, investment in new technology programs is needed to assure that planned future Space Science missions can be implemented. We have identified the needs and projected roadmaps for technology programs fulfill the needs in solar cell and array technology.

This report is the second in a series of technology assessments being carried out for the NASA Space Science Enterprise to identify gaps in technology between mission needs and the state of practice, and to prepare plans and roadmaps to develop the needed technology in time for potential mission starts.

This program of technology assessments has initially concentrated on spacecraft power technology. In the first phase of this work, an assessment of Advanced Radioisotope Power System technology was conducted. The Advanced Radioisotope Power System Report, JPL D-20757 (internal document), was published June 2001. The next advanced power source to be assessed within this overall activity was Solar Cell and Array Technology, and this is the subject of the present report. A third assessment, on energy storage, will be published in early 2004. It is expected that in the future, other important spacecraft technologies will be subjected to critical assessment as well.

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