Design and Aanalysis of Sandwich Panels as a Support Structure of Solar Cells for a GEO Communications Satellite

Solar panels are used in satellites to absorb solar energy and supply the power needed for space missions. Mission definition and satellite lifetime is restricted by the way and the amount of energy that can be supplied for satellite subsystems. Therefore, the design of satellite solar panels as a unique source for power supply in satellites is very sensitive and important. In this paper, an efficient design for solar panels of a GEO communication satellite is proposed considering the maximum strength to weight ratio and minimum deflection. For this purpose different space structures including Iso Grid structures, honeycomb and composite plates are studied. Several structural analyses are performed on the models in order to assurance from the strength and durability of the model in space working environments. The design according to composite-honeycomb is introduced as the best model for solar panel structure. The proper configuration of layers is also presented by developing a code based on an optimization algorithm.