One year in-orbit data of the MITA Ga As on Ge solar array

MITA is a programme of the Italian Space Agency (ASI) aimed to the development of a standard platform belonging to the 150-300 kg class of mini-satellites. Such standard platform will support the small scientific and application missions of ASI. In the frame of the MITA programme Carlo Gavazzi Space was the prime contractor for the complete satellite development, manufacturing, and integration. Galileo Avionica has provided the solar generator, based on CESI single junction GaAs/Ge solar cells, with a conversion efficiency of 18.5%, and on a mechanical structure provided by Oerlikon Contraves Italiana. MITA represents a full success for ASI and for the Italian Space Industry [1], having shown the capability in designing, developing, manufacturing, integrating and operating in-orbit of a complete satellite.