COSMO-SkyMed EPS advanced multijunction solar cells, manufacturing & testing

The COSMO-SkyMed constellation consists of four orbiting satellites, each carrying a X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) normally equi-phased in the same orbital plane, suitable for night/daylight and all weather observation capability. The COSMO satellite environmental requirements and its very challenging mission objectives drive the design of the Electrical Power System (EPS), based on advanced Triple Junction (TJ) solar cells and a Li-Ion battery. The described COSMO-SkyMed system program is managed by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and co-financed by ASI and the Italian Ministry of Defence.