RADIATION-RESISTANT INP SOLAR-CELLS FOR SPACE APPLICATIONS

Proton and electron irradiation effects on high-efficiency InP solar cells have been studied. Fluence and energy dependences of proton and electron damages to InP cells have also been determined experimentally. Test flight data of InP solar cells in the EXOS-D orbit (in a high altitude polar orbit) have been analyzed based on the proton and electron irradiation effects on them. Good agreement between analytical results and night data for InP solar cell properties in the EXOS-D orbit shows the validity of the analytical model and that this analytical model is useful for designing space power systems using InP cells in other orbits with known radiation environments. InP solar cells were used for the first time in space as a power source for the Lunar Orbiter of the scientific satellite ''MUSES-A''. InP solar cells with coverglass are concluded to be applicable as space cells, especially in severe radiation environments.