Solar Arrays

Our solar panels are designed for maximum power generation and ease of platform integration. Think highly reliable, low-mass, NASA GEVS-compliant solutions that fit within most CubeSat deployment mechanisms.

Photon DataSheet Product enquiry

PHOTON CubeSat Solar Arrays

The AAC Clyde Space PHOTON solar panels are designed for maximum power generation and ease of platform integration. The panels are used by our own missions.

Available in a variety of configurations, the PHOTON solar panels are designed to be compatible with AAC Clyde Space ZAPHOD structure range. The side solar panels are designed to fit at the side panels of our CubeSat structures, to provide optimized power generation from any side of the satellite. From body mounted only to triple deployed solar panels, we utilise the latest manufacturing techniques to deliver highly reliable, low-mass, high density, power generation solutions. These are designed to fit within the majority of CubeSat deployment mechanisms.

Universally featuring 30.7% efficient Spectrolab XTJ-Prime solar cells, PHOTON solar panels are constructed using a cost-effective combination of FR4 substrates, either alone or combined with a specially developed lightweight aluminium support structure depending on the size of deployable array required. This product leverages decades of on-orbit heritage and proven deployment mechanisms. The panels are constructed from low out-gassing materials and are supplied staked and head-locked for flight. Each array is designed to be compliant with applicable NASA GEVS vibration testing and receives illumination testing and thermal cycling prior to shipment. Each Photon product comes packaged in a protective container, suitable for storage before final integration.

Photon Range

  • PHOTON-SIDE
  • PHOTON-SD
  • PHOTON-DD
  • PHOTON-TD

Power

This range makes use of decades of on-orbit heritage and deployments to ensure a consistently performing products which utilise the latest in mechanical design techniques.

Performance

Supporting 3U to 12U form factors the PHOTON range offers body, single, double and triple deployment options. Temperature and coarse sun sensors included. Propriety low profile and robust reliable design with lightweight aluminium framing.

Reliability

Our solar panel solutions are some of the most flown in history with an unparalleled track record in orbit. With PCB Substrate with space-grade Kapton coverlay and Spectrolab XTJPrime solar cells as standard. Restowable during testing with redundant hold down release mechanism.

Our PHOTON solar arrays are designed to withstand NASA GEVS qualification testing

Standard Acceptance Testing

  • Thermal Cycling
  • Illumination Testing
  • Deployment Testing
  • Sensor check
  • Visual inspection and weighing

Compatible with AAC Clyde Space ZAPHOD Structures, meeting ISS Crewed Flight design requirements when combined. PHOTON solar arrays are delivered in a rugged container suitable for storage before integration.

Custom solar arrays are available upon request.

Why the PHOTON Solar Arrays?

  • TRL 9
  • 45-50 Week Lead Time
  • Flown Since 2014
  • Custom solar arrays available upon request.
  • Compatible with AAC Clyde Space ZAPHOD Structures
  • Meeting ISS Crewed Flight design requirements when combined.
  • Supporting 3U to 12U form factors
  • The PHOTON range offers body, single,double and triple deployment options.
  • Temperature and coarse sun sensors included.
  • Propriety low profile and robust reliable design with lightweight aluminium framing”

Technical Specifications

General
Telemetry available Temperature Sensors & Coarse Sun Sensors
Cell Type XTJ Prime (others available on request)
Power Generation Up to 9W per 3U populated face
Operating Temperature Range -40°C to +80°C
4 mil Anti-reflective coatedcover glass
Low outgassing materials used
Staked and head-locked for flight
PHOTON-DD - 3U Size Only
Stowed height 9.55mm
Mass (3U) 330g
Details on substrate FR4
HDRM Thermal knife/cord
PHOTON-TD - 3U Size Only
Stowed height* 9.5mm**
Mass (3U)* 330g
Details on substrate FR4 cell substrate
Details on frame Aluminium support structure
HDRM Thermal screw release
PHOTON-SIDE - 1U; 2U; 3U and 6U face sizes avaliable
Stowed height 3.5mm
Mass (3U) 135g
Details on substrate FR4
HDRM None
PHOTON-SD - 1U; 2U; 3U face sizes avaliable
Stowed height 7mm
Mass (3U) 310g
Details on substrate FR4
HDRM Thermal knife/cord

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