NPS-SCAT CONOPS and Radiation Environment
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Authors
Hill, Adam L.
Subjects
CubeSat
NPS-SCAT
solar cell
CONOPS
space program budget
solar cell tester
radiation environment
program management
NPS-SCAT
solar cell
CONOPS
space program budget
solar cell tester
radiation environment
program management
Advisors
Newman, James H.
Date of Issue
2012-06
Date
12-Jun
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Solar cells are the primary energy-collection agents used onboard spacecraft converting energy from the sun into electricity. With solar cells being the main source of power for satellites, it is important to know how they operate and degrade when exposed to the harsh environment of low earth orbit. The objective of this thesis is to estimate the solar cell degradation that will be experienced on orbit due to radiation. This linked with the mission of the NPS-SCAT providing a quantitative measurement on orbit of how solar cells degrade over time can reduce risk of expensive national satellite by providing real-life solar cells exposure to threats of the space environment. A secondary goal of this thesis is to build and present a representation of the CONOPs (concept of operations) that describes the functionality expected on orbit. Coordination with the software programmers as well as the staff to set robust functionality is the goal for the CONOPs. This software package will be programmed into the two 1U flight certified CubeSats as their standard programming once implementation and testing have been completed.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Space Systems Operations