Solar panels on spacecraft edit
Spacecraft operating in the inner solar system usually rely on the use of photovoltaic solar panels to derive electricity from sunlight. In the outer solar system, where the sunlight is too weak to produce sufficient power, radioisotope thermal generators (RTGs) are used as a power source.[1]
History edit
The first spacecraft to use solar panels was the Vanguard 1 satellite, launched by the US in 1958. This was largely because of the influence of Dr. Hans Ziegler, who can be regarded as the father of spacecraft solar power.[2] Of his 30 year tenure at Fort Monmouth (1947–1976), Ziegler spent 12 years in the top position as Chief Scientist.[3]
Uses edit
Implementation edit
Types of solar cells typically used edit
Spacecraft that have used solar power edit
Power available edit
Future uses edit
See also edit
References edit
- ^ NASA JPL Publication: Basics of Space Flight, Chapter 11. Typical Onboard Systems , Electrical Power Supply and Distribution Subsystems, http://www2.jpl.nasa.gov/basics/bsf11-3.html
- ^ Perlin, John (Pub date unknown). "Late 1950s - Saved by the Space Race". SOLAR EVOLUTION - The History of Solar Energy. The Rahus Institute. Retrieved 2007-02-25.
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