Clyde Space

SumbandilaSat Solar Panels

Project Name: SumbandilaSat

Customer:    http://www.sunspace.co.za/

Sunspace and Information Systems, Stellenbosch, South Africa.

The Task:

To meet an urgent requirement for two 24W solar arrays for the small satellite, SumbandilaSat.  The required delivery period was 4 weeks from placing the order and the work was to include a coupon test to prove the build process and technology.

The Clyde Space Solution:

The driving requirement for the order from SunSpace was the need for the solar panels on a very short schedule.  Typically it will take at least 6 months for a set of solar panels to be produced for a mission; a delivery schedule of 4 weeks is close to impossible to achieve.  However, we at Clyde Space are not shy of a challenge.

Our apporach to the project was first to identify and procure the solar cells for the job.  Until we knew the type and size of the cells, it would be impossible for us to prepare jigs, design the solar panel, etc.  Clyde Space has extensive contacts within the space power industry and this includes the suppliers of solar cells, and we were able to procure some bare single junction GaAs cells from ENE/CESI.  With the cells on order, we then went through the process of designing and making our jigs to lay the cells down; this included the design and manufacture of a vacuum plate and screen print for applying the adhesive.  SunSpace were supplying the solar panel carbon fibre composite substrates with the kapton face already applied. 

On technical issues where clarity and support was needed, it was handled rapidly, concisely, enthusiastically and generously. (Customer Quote)

Once we had taken delivery of the cells we started the process of interconnecting the cells.  The requirement was for the solar panels to survive for 1 Year in LEO, and because the solar cells had gold metalisation we were able to eliminate the need for coverglass in this case. 

In week three we were in a position to make a test coupon, which we subsequently subjected to qualification vibration and rapid thermal cycling tests at SELEX SAS in Edinburgh.  Test coupon production was performed prior to the manufacture of the flight panels, so once we (both Clyde Space and the customer) were satisfied with the performance of the coupon and assembly processes, we started work on the flight panels. 

I certainly support the notion of endorsing Clyde Space for services delivered to Sunspace.  I would like to commend them for their apt delivery on the stringent terms provided to them on our request. (Customer Quote)

The TWO flight panels were manufactured and tested in the final week of the project, before shipping to the customer.  Clyde Space performed all of the manufacturing of the solar arrays at their design and manufacturing facilities on the West of Scotland Science Park in Glasgow, Scotland.  The solar panels were delivered less than one month after receiving the order.  ZA-002 is produced by small satellite manufacturers, Sunspace & Information Systems Ltd.

The panels use carbon fibre composite substrates supplied by Sunspace and incorporate ENE/CESI single junction GaAs solar cells and interconnects.  Clyde Space performed the interconnecting, laydown and wiring of the solar arrays at their design and manufacturing facilities on the West of Scotland Science Park in Glasgow, Scotland. 

 The solar panels were manufactured by an ESA qualified assembly technician in a Class 10 000 cleanroom and are designed for operation in a LEO environment.