Abstract
Satellite solar array discharges are studied experimentally on samples made of copper and zinc and on real solar cell samples. Secondary discharge currents up to 4 A and discharge voltages around 20 V were measured. Spectroscopic analysis of the emission spectrum indicates that the discharge plasma is composed of eroded metal vapors from the cell electrodes. Scanning electron microscope analysis confirms the important local degradation of the cathode electrode and metallization of the gap between adjacent cells. The results indicate clearly that the secondary discharges have the characteristics of vacuum arc discharges sustained by the power of the solar array.
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