Questions tagged [solar-panel]
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12 questions
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Exporting the data about angles from STK
I recently started learning how to use STK, I was wondering how I would export data for the angles of the solar panels into something like a spreadsheet. I can easily do this with values like ...
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Who is manufacturing the solar panels for Starlink satellites?
I am trying to understand the supply chain behind the Starlink Satellite Constellation. I am wondering how SpaceX is able to source those many solar panels. If somebody could give a brief explanation, ...
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Why are some satellite solar arrays arranged in a zig-zag pattern
Some of the solar panel arrays I've seen on satellites are arranged in this weird zig-zag pattern.
Even when they're fully deployed they still have this arrangement. Why? What's the benefit from doing ...
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Largest solar panel (by area) deployed in space? Largest below/at/above GEO?
NASA news item NASA’s Psyche Gets Huge Solar Arrays for Trip to Metal-Rich Asteroid
At 800 square feet (75 square meters), the five-panel, cross-shaped solar arrays are the largest ever installed at ...
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What fraction of the Kapton thickness on the ISS' solar panels was likely eroded throughout their lifetime? Predictions? Measurements?
Background
@Tristan's answer to How are the silicon PV cells constructed in the ISS's solar panels? Are they as flexible as they appear here? informs us that Kapton is part of the "blanket" ...
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How were the Skylab solar panels stored and deployed?
Skylab had two sets of panels. A pair of main arrays provided most power; one tore loose during ascent, and the other (shown on the right side of the photo below) was tangled in debris until repaired ...
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How efficient was Telstar's solar cell configuration, compared to a flat panel?
Telstar was a series of communication satellites first launched in 1962. The body of the satellite is roughly spherical, with much of the outer surface covered in solar cells. This gives the ...
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Why does Falcon 9 launch with Crew Dragon solar panels facing down?
I noticed in video of the first crewed mission in August that Falcon 9 pitches down with the Dragon solar panels facing down.
I'd been expecting the solar panels to be facing up, because sun.
Does ...
user36480
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Do a significant proportion of cubesats (or any at all) have articulated solar panels/sails which can be pointed at the Sun?
It appears that for early cubesats the solar panels were simply fixed flat to the sides of the spacecraft, and even deployable panels were not part of early cubesat designs.
Have a significant number ...
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Colors of the ISS solar panels?
What color(s) does the solar panels on the ISS look like the human eye through either a spacecraft window or helmet visor?
The solar panels look a different in different photos. ESA website
NASA ...
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How are the silicon PV cells constructed in the ISS's solar panels? Are they as flexible as they appear here?
My understanding is that the ISS's solar panels are silicon and double sided to maximize bang-for-the-pound (average power per kilogram transported to orbit). See Are the ISS US Segment solar arrays ...
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How does ROSA unroll? (Roll Out Solar Array)
The upcoming SpaceX launch with the apparently first re-use of a dragon capsule will bring with it the Roll Out Solar Array (ROSA).
(See also: More science, reused Dragon capsule featured on CRS-11)
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