Characterization of laser-induced spacecraft solar array discharges

Yang Xiaoyi; Liu Yuming; Wang Zhihao; Nie Xiangyu; Wang Jinghu; Wang Sizhan; Du Jiayu

doi:10.11884/HPLPB202638.250171

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Article Navigation > High Power Laser and Particle Beams > 2026 > Accepted Manuscript

Yang Xiaoyi, Liu Yuming, Wang Zhihao, et al. Characterization of laser-induced spacecraft solar array discharges[J]. High Power Laser and Particle Beams. doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250171

Citation:

Yang Xiaoyi, Liu Yuming, Wang Zhihao, et al. Characterization of laser-induced spacecraft solar array discharges[J]. High Power Laser and Particle Beams. doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250171

Yang Xiaoyi, Liu Yuming, Wang Zhihao, et al. Characterization of laser-induced spacecraft solar array discharges[J]. High Power Laser and Particle Beams. doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250171

Citation:

Yang Xiaoyi, Liu Yuming, Wang Zhihao, et al. Characterization of laser-induced spacecraft solar array discharges[J]. High Power Laser and Particle Beams. doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250171

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Characterization of laser-induced spacecraft solar array discharges

doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250171

Beijing Institute of Spacecraft Environment Engineering, Beijing 100094, China

Received Date: 2025-06-11
Accepted Date: 2025-09-09
Rev Recd Date: 2025-09-28

Available Online: 2025-11-24

Abstract

Abstract

Background
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.
Purpose
This study aims to systematically investigate the influence of two key laser parameters, 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.
Methods
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.
Results
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.
Conclusions
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.
- space solar power station,
- low earth orbit spacecraft,
- solar cell array,
- nanosecond pulsed laser,
- arc discharge characteristics

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References(29)

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