Selecting spacecraft power products: cells, arrays, batteries and PCDUs

Define the mission before selecting a model

A power subsystem must match the spacecraft's illumination and eclipse cycle, average and peak loads, bus architecture, mass allocation and life target. Catalog figures are model-specific design inputs, not a guarantee that every combination will satisfy a mission. Confirm the current revision of each datasheet and agree the system interfaces before ordering.

CIC solar cells

CIC means coverglass interconnected cell: a solar cell with protective coverglass and interconnects for assembly onto an array substrate. The catalog lists triple-junction GaAs cells in 80.0 × 40.0 mm and 144.3 × 68.5 mm formats, alongside rigid, tandem and flexible perovskite options. Rigid perovskite CIC is listed at 22% efficiency at AM0 and 25°C. Ask for the illumination standard, active area, beginning-of-life and end-of-life data for the selected device.

Solar arrays

The GaAs array family includes fixed PCB panels, deployable wings and flexible panels for flat satellites. Compare deployed and stowed geometry, substrate, wiring, thermal limits and hold-down/release interfaces. A catalog temperature range for one array construction must not be applied to all constructions. Where mechanisms are supplied with the array, include deployment verification in the acceptance plan.

Lithium-ion battery packs

The portfolio covers 18650, 21700 and prismatic cell formats. Specify usable energy, bus voltage, peak and continuous current, eclipse duration, depth of discharge and thermal conditions. The 59 Ah prismatic-cell value is a cell specification; pack capacity, series/parallel configuration and available energy depend on the agreed assembly. Request charge limits, protection behavior and the cycle profile behind any life figure.

Power control and distribution

PCDU models include maximum power point tracking (MPPT) at 12 V, 28 V and 100 V, and direct energy transfer (DET) at 28 V and 42 V. Published power ratings span 50 W to 20 kW across the family. Choose a topology against the same array, battery and load profile, then define distribution channels, telemetry, commands, fault protection and any array-release drive.

Solid-state cells and supporting hardware

The solid-state cell in the catalog is rated 22 Ah at 0.5C, with a listed 66 A (3C) discharge capability and −20°C to +55°C operating range. Ask for model-specific chemistry, qualification and safety-test evidence. Supporting products include sun sensors, roll-up mechanisms, spring hinges, separation nuts and antennas; verify each item's dimensions, interfaces and environmental limits separately.

Agree the evidence and delivery package

For an engineering review, request dimensioned drawings, an interface control document, electrical performance data, environmental test scope, traceability and acceptance criteria. The published mission reports illustrate different supply boundaries: ShuTianYun 03–05 includes PCUs, packs and arrays, while other reports identify arrays, packs and mechanisms. Use the case closest to your proposed configuration as a starting point, then request product-specific evidence.

Related resources

• CIC specifications
• Solar-array specifications
• Li-ion battery packs
• PCDU specifications
• Solid-state battery
• Mechanisms and sensors
• Discuss a configuration