Investigating Photovoltaic Efficiency and Durability in Low Earth Orbit Through Nanosatellite Payload Design

RHOK-SAT is a 1U nanosatellite, measuring 10 cm x 10 cm x 11 cm. It is a collaborative project between Rhodes College and the University of Oklahoma with the primary scientific mission of characterizing and measuring the degradation of novel photovoltaic cells in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in comparison to a reference CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide). RHOKSAT's payload consists of two PCBs: one housing 8 Aerospace Measurement Units from Aerospace Corporation and a pogo board, which includes 7 temperature sensors, a sun-sensor, and spring-loaded pogo pins, a benign method for cell electrical connection. A non-conductive anodized top plate on the top face also acts as the aperature and reduce reflections. Overall, the payload is designed to further the mission's scientific purpose, allowing the collection of as much data as possible in the form of solar cell I-V (Current-Voltage) sweeps, temperature, and sun angles. Furthermore, RHOK-SAT also provides real-world engineering experience to students at Rhodes College, which has no formal engineering program. RHOK-SAT will launch in early 2025 on an ISS resupply mission through NASA's CubeSat Launch Initiative (CSLI) program.