Space Solar Power Review Vol 1 Num 1 & 2

voltages of the order ot 10 kV which might cause arcing, shock hazards, and changes in reflective or thermal control surfaces. An associated problem with spacecraft charging is that the ambient space plasma and photoelectrons may enter the solar cell array and form a parasitic load. Both laboratory and flight tests of specific solar cell arrays operating at high voltages will be necessary to determine the extent of this problem and assess corrective measures. The space plasma interaction can have a major impact on the power distribution system. The Marshall Space Flight Center contracted with Rice University for a small study of the space plasma effects on an early Rockwell International SPS design. This study recommended several design modifications and concluded that, with these modifications, SPS operation at GEO was probably possible. However, the study stipulated that laboratory and flight testing of specific solar cell arrays operating at high voltages are necessary for a definitive conclusion. A power management subsystem is required to provide monitoring of electrical power system parameters, the state and performance of the power distribution network, the operation of power processing components, energy storage and thermal control equipment. It will also take corrective action in case of out-of-tolerance or malfunctions and protect power system elements against destructive overloads and ensure safe access for maintenance operators. Other participants in this workshop included Martin Wolf (Univ, of Pennsylvania), Abraham Hertberg (Univ, of Washington), Arthur Schoenfeld (TRW), Richard Alberts (Research Triangle Inst.), Henry Brandhurst (NASA), Denis Curtin (Comsat), Sandy Friedlander (Aerospace Corp.), James Harris (Rockwell), Peter Illes (Applied Solar Energy), S. Kamath (Hughes), James Lazar (Argonne National Lab.), Peter Richardson (Planning Research Corp.), John Scott-Monck (Jet Propulsion Laboratory), Calvin Silverstein (Westinghouse), Richard Stirm (Jet Propulsion Laboratory), Joseph Wise (Air Force), Solomon Zwerdling (Jet Propulsion Laboratory), Bud Brux (Rockwell), Robert English (NASA), Pres Layton (Princeton), Tom Mahefkey (Air Force), John Hedgepeth (Astro Research Corp.), Jim Ott (Novar), C. Byron Winn (Colorado State Univ.), Reynolds DelGado (Houston Power and Lighting Co.), John Freeman (Rice Univ.), Albert Gordon (Polyscientific Inc.), Frank Mandors (Ball Aerospace), Ira Myers (NASA) and James Reams (Air Force). In all, 30 organizations were involved.

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