Abstract
Generalized comparative analysis of the results of model specimens and fragments of standard solar array degradation studies before and after prolonged exposure and during operation in low Earth orbits (LEOs) is made. The studies gave a unique opportunity to reveal new information on the influence of the space environment on solar array materials and components, determine the degree of degradation and understand the mechanism of their degradation. It was determined that the degrees of power and current degradation in the MSA1 wing of the Mir space station mountable solar array and its panels are high and non-uniform. Most of the solar cell blocks and single cells (about 70%), materials, structure assemblages and components had stood up to more than 10 years exposure in LEO environment satisfactorily. Thermocycle effects and optical performance decrease are the main causes of power and current losses in undamaged solar cells. About 30% of the cell blocks had suffered severe damage to their structure and interconnects from hot-spotting processes due to strip shadowing of the blocks by space station structure elements such as pantograph members. These processes governed the power and current losses in solar arrays.
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