Value chain · CLM-0431
In plain terms
This cell design might need over 30 times less shielding mass, from a coating 50 times thinner, than today's space solar cells, while still lasting for decades, according to computer models.
The claim as recorded
The ASTRAL concept is modeled to survive on a GEO orbit for "decades" using only 2 micrometres of dielectric front-coating shielding, versus the 100 micrometre coverglass conventionally used for comparable lifetimes, a modeled reduction in radiation-shielding mass of more than 30 times per unit PV area.
Scope and limits
"Decades" is not a specific number of years in the source; the paper gives no single design-life figure (e.g. 15 or 30 years) for VC01 purposes. This is a modeled shielding-mass comparison, not a flight-proven lifetime, and applies only to the ASTRAL concept, not to SBSP cells generally.
What it assumes
The paper's radiation-degradation model for an ultra-thin (100 nm) GaAs subcell, calibrated against separate experimental carrier-lifetime data for 80 nm-thick devices, is assumed to extrapolate correctly to the 100 nm case; carrier-removal effects are modeled as an alternative scenario, not resolved.
Where it comes from
"This drastic difference entails >30 x shielding mass reduction per PV unit area, representing launch cost savings in the order of $100 M for the km2 stations conceived for GW-scale SBSP" (SRC-003, PDF page 5).
Basis: radiation-shielding mass per unit PV area, GEO orbit, modeled device lifetime of "decades"
Related records
- Answers question
- QST-002 not published in this release
- Supersedes
- CLM-0203 not published in this release
Cite this
energyaperture.com/c/clm-0431
CLM-0431, Energy Aperture, as of 2025.
Connected records
Other published records linked to this one. A list, not a judgement.
- Also from SRC-003
- CLM-0200A new solar cell design, tested only in computer models, is predicted to convert more than 25% of sunlight to electricity in orbit.CLM-0202In simulation, this new cell design can produce a strong 1 kW per square metre of power while staying at a moderate 50 degrees C.CLM-0508An independent university research group has modelled a solar-cell design that could need over thirty times less protective shielding...