Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Turner, G. F..
The space flight testing of a large, flat, flexible panel solar array is examined. The experiment objectives are: to demonstrate the functional operational of the wind deployment and packaging system; Electrical performance; Thermal performance; and dynamic performance. A complete description of the experiment and the flight results are given.
The Solar Array Flight Experiment (SAFE) developed under the direction of the Marshall Space Flight Center, scheduled for launch on STS 41-D, will demonstrate a lightweight solar array technology which offers a factor of 3 improvement in weight and a factor of 10 improvement in specific volume over solar array systems currently in use in the space program. The experiment, which will include multiple deployment and retraction demonstration, verification of electrical and thermal performance, and verification of structural dynamic math models is 15 feet by 105 feet in size and, if completely covered with solar cells, would produce approximately 12.5 kW of electrical power. The unit has now been developed, tested, and is at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) being prepared for launch.