TACSAT-4 solar cell experiment: Advanced solar cell technologies in a high radiation environment

The TACSAT-4 Solar Cell Experiment will measure the current and voltage characteristics of advanced EMCORE BTJM solar cells thinned to 100 microns and ATJM cells under an 8.5X ENTECH Stretched Lens. TACSAT-4 will fly in a highly elliptical orbit, passing through the electron and proton belts every six hours. This orbit is expected to induce a 25% power reduction in one year due to radiation damage. In addition to demonstrating these new technologies, TACSAT-4 will also demonstrate a radiation hard solar cell measurement circuit designed to a simple interface capable of meeting the standard requirement for future solar arrays built to the AIAA S-122-2007, “Electrical Power Systems for Unmanned Spacecraft.” TACSAT-4 will launch in September of 2009.