NASA’s Roman Space Telescope Solar Panels Pass Critical Tests

NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope has reached a critical milestone with the successful testing of its Solar Array Sun Shield, a crucial component that will power and shade the observatory’s instruments in space. The solar panels, designed to operate in extreme temperatures and low-pressure environments, have undergone rigorous assessments at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland.

Engineers tested a qualification assembly in a thermal vacuum chamber, simulating the conditions the flight panels will face in space. Meanwhile, a vendor-built flight version was fitted with solar cells and tested by flashing it with a bright light to simulate sunlight. According to Jack Marshall, the Solar Array Sun Shield lead at NASA Goddard, using two versions of the panels has saved significant time and money while minimizing the risk of damage to the flight hardware. The Roman spacecraft is on track for installation next spring, followed by thorough testing to ensure its performance in space.

NASA’s Roman Space Telescope: Solar Panel Development and Testing

The development of solar panels for NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope has reached a significant milestone with the successful completion of key tests. The Solar Array Sun Shield, designed to power and shade the observatory, is on track to be completed on schedule. This critical component will enable the mission’s observations and help keep the instruments cool.

The Roman team has employed a strategic approach by creating two sets of solar panels: one for flight and another as a test structure. The test version was evaluated in a thermal vacuum chamber at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, simulating the extreme temperatures and low-pressure environment the flight panels will experience in space. This testing phase allowed engineers to practice deploying the panels in space-like conditions, ensuring that they can withstand the harsh conditions of launch and operation.

The solar cells on the flight version were fitted by a vendor and subsequently tested at Goddard. Technicians simulated the Sun’s radiation by flashing the panels with a bright light, verifying their performance. This dual-approach strategy has proven effective in saving time and resources while minimizing the risk of damage to the flight panels. “By using two versions of the panels, we can conduct preliminary tests on a spare while moving forward with the flight version,” explained Jack Marshall, the Solar Array Sun Shield lead at NASA Goddard. “This approach streamlines the process and avoids risking damage to the panels that will go on the observatory.”

Thermal Vacuum Chamber Testing: Simulating Space Conditions

The thermal vacuum chamber testing is a critical phase in the development of the Solar Array Sun Shield. This environment simulates the extreme temperatures, ranging from -170°C to 120°C, and low-pressure conditions that the solar panels will encounter in space. By subjecting the test version to these conditions, engineers can assess its performance and identify potential flaws or areas for improvement.

The testing process involves evaluating the panel’s ability to deploy and function correctly in a space-like environment. This includes assessing the panel’s thermal properties, ensuring that it can maintain a stable temperature despite the extreme fluctuations. The data collected from these tests will inform the final design and manufacturing of the flight version, guaranteeing that it meets the required specifications.

Solar Cell Testing: Verifying Performance

The solar cells on the flight version of the Solar Array Sun Shield were tested at Goddard Space Flight Center to verify their performance. This involved simulating the Sun’s radiation by flashing the panels with a bright light, mimicking the conditions they will experience in space. The testing process ensures that the solar cells can generate the required power to support the observatory’s operations.

The testing of the solar cells is a critical component in the development of the Solar Array Sun Shield. It guarantees that the panels can provide a stable and reliable source of power, enabling the Roman Space Telescope to conduct its mission-critical observations. The successful completion of these tests marks a significant milestone in the development of this critical component.

Integration and Installation: Preparing for Launch

The next phase in the development of the Solar Array Sun Shield involves integrating and installing the flight version on the Roman spacecraft. This will occur in the spring, followed by thorough testing to ensure that the entire spacecraft can withstand the harsh conditions of launch and perform as expected in space.

The integration process requires careful planning and execution to guarantee a seamless interface between the solar panels and the spacecraft’s systems. The successful installation of the Solar Array Sun Shield will mark a critical milestone in the development of the Roman Space Telescope, paving the way for its launch and operation.