Space News
space history and artifacts articles

Messages
space history discussion forums

Sightings
worldwide astronaut appearances

Resources
selected space history documents




Solar Array Cell

Mission: International Space Station
(First delivered by STS-97 / Endeavour)
 
Comment: The solar arrays are the most powerful electricity
producing structure ever put into orbit.

This prototype solar cell is identical to those used on the solar array wings that provide power to the International Space Station (ISS). Lockheed Martin produced eight solar array wings for the ISS, each 107 by 38 feet. In total, they accomodate a total of 262,400 solar cells. Each cell was made from purified crystal ingots of silicon and produces about one watt of power (for a theoretical maximum power output of 32.8 kilowatts for each wing when illuminated by the Sun). The first array was deployed in December 2000.

back to Artifacts

back to collectSPACE


© 2020 collectSPACE.com All rights reserved.
Questions? E-mail contact@collectspace.com