to the glow discharge on "sparking11 observed in vacuum chamber tests at LeRC and at JSC. A second concern is with charge exchange ions from electric thrusters that are attracted to solar cell surfaces and cause a high shunting power loss. The loss may be minimized for the SPS by proper location of the attitude control thrusters but it appears that biased screens will be required for the EOTV to prevent the charge exchange ions from reaching the solar array. Power loss due to the interaction of the solar array with the space plasma at low orbits is an additional major concern for the EOTV. Energy storage is required by the SPS (1 to 15 mWh) and EOTV (0 to 300 kWh) to maintain attitude control during shadow periods. On-going development of high performance fused salt batteries (200-300 Wh/kg) by the DOE should be supported and alternative energy storage systems should be investigated.
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