Power Supply

Satellites must have a continuous source of energy to power their equipment and to keep it in the correct position. The most common power sources are solar cells and batteries. Solar panels are used because they are lightweight, efficient and long-lasting, supplying continuous power by converting the light of the Sun into energy.

The solar cells on spinner satellites cover the bus of the satellite while solar cells on three-axis satellites usually stick out from the base. Spinner satellites must have the cells on the bus, because otherwise spinning would prevent the cells from constantly facing the Sun.

Batteries are necessary for polar orbiting satellites because, since the satellite is orbiting the Earth, they will sometimes be on the other side of the Earth and not receive sunlight. Batteries are also necessary for geostationary, because twice a year the Earth will eclipse the Sun for geostationary satellites. Solar cells store energy in the batteries so batteries can be used during this time.

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Parts of a Satellite | Maneuvering | Power Supply | Thermal Controls | Communications Devices | OCO-2 and ASCENDS | NASA Missions

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