SPUDNIK-1
POWER SYSTEM TESTING
SOLAR PANEL TEST
In terms of performance, solar panels are characterized by relationships between the output voltage and the current through the circuit. An IV curve may be generated with these two variables, which graphically compares current and voltage over a varying resistance introduced to the circuit. For this test a light was placed above the selected solar cell and the voltage and current information were recorded. These could then be graphed and compared to a traditional IV curve.
BATTERY TEST
Since the battery is such an integral part of the project, it is important to ensure that the one used will not fail, cause damage, or lose its life after the first few recharge cycles. Since the CubeSat will orbit every ninety minutes, there will be a maximum of 7000 recharge cycles that will occur. If a battery can only last hundreds before losing its life, it will not be suitable for the application.