The use of high-power lasers for wireless power transmission (WPT) in space-based solar power stations poses a potential risk to orbiting spacecraft. Misalignment or system failures could cause the laser beam to irradiate a spacecraft's solar array, potentially inducing discharge phenomena that threaten the spacecraft's safety. Existing research has primarily focused on the thermal damage effects of lasers on solar arrays, while studies on the characteristics of laser-induced discharge remain insufficient.

This study aims to systematically investigate the influence of two key laser parameters, namely energy and wavelength, on the discharge characteristics of spacecraft solar arrays. The goal is to reveal the underlying mechanisms of laser-induced discharge, thereby providing a theoretical and experimental basis for the safe application of high-power laser wireless energy transmission technology.

The mechanism of laser-induced solar array discharge was analyzed based on laser-induced plasma theory and discharge mechanisms within the low earth orbit (LEO) plasma environment. Guided by this theoretical framework, the experimental parameters for the laser-induced spacecraft solar array discharge test were determined. The experiment analyzed the probability of discharge induced by a 532 nm laser at different energy levels and acquired discharge duration data. Probability-time distribution curves were established, and the probability functions for discharge duration under different laser energies were obtained by fitting with a double Poisson distribution. Furthermore, a comparative study was conducted on the peak discharge current and the duration probability functions induced by 532 nm and 266 nm wavelength lasers at the same energy level.

The experimental results demonstrate that higher laser energy leads to a greater probability of induced discharge and longer discharge durations. Shorter laser wavelengths result in a lower discharge threshold and induce discharge events with higher peak currents. The discharge risk parameter increases significantly with shorter wavelength and higher energy.

Laser energy and wavelength are critical factors affecting the discharge risk of solar arrays. Short-wavelength, high-energy lasers pose a greater threat to solar array safety. The findings of this study provide important guidance for selecting laser parameters in WPT systems and for designing protective measures for solar arrays.