PROBA solar array photovoltaic assembly: GaAs/Ge single junction solar cells with integral diode

The PROBA mission is an ESA scientific program. The Solar Array Photovoltaic Assembly (PVA) has been designed and manufactured by Galileo Avionica (GA) in order to board the new type of GaAs/Ge single junction solar cell with integral diode. During the 2 years lifetime in the SSO 600 km orbit the PROBA satellite will be 3-axis stabilised. The PVA key requirements are: ○ Vmax ≥ 29.7 Volts. ○ At Winter Solstice the EOL power performance at 29.7 V shall be 45.4 W for Top Panel, 57.2 W for Front Panel, 11.7 W for Right Panel, 67.8 W for Back Panel and 69.6 W for Left Panel. ○ Shadow protection ○ ATOX protection. The technologies adopted by Galileo Avionica give PROBA PVA particular features: ○ GaAs/Ge single junction solar cells with integral diode ○ Soldering interconnections ○ Special electrical layout This paper describes the PROBA Solar Array PVA design and layout.