Question

A very low earth orbit satellite orbits the earth in 92 minutes and is in darkness for half of each orbit. The satellite requires 2.5 kW of electrical power, which must be supplied by batteries when the satellite is in darkness. While the satellite is in sunlight, its solar cells must supply sufficient power to run the satellite and charge the batteries. Charging the batteries requires 1.25 times the power that is needed to operate the satellite.

a. How much power must the solar cells supply while the satellite is in sunlight?

b. The solar cells supply current at 50 V. How much current do they deliver?

c. The satellite is in darkness for 46 minutes of each orbit. What capacity must the batteries have, in ampere hours?

Answer 1