![]() Several different tracking modes are used in operations, ranging from full Sun-tracking, to the drag-reduction mode ( night glider and Sun slicer modes), to a drag-maximization mode used to lower the altitude. The solar arrays normally track the Sun, with the "alpha gimbal" used as the primary rotation to follow the Sun as the space station moves around the Earth, and the "beta gimbal" used to adjust for the angle of the space station's orbit to the ecliptic. Īltogether, the eight solar array wings can generate about 240 kilowatts in direct sunlight, or about 84 to 120 kilowatts average power (cycling between sunlight and shade). When retracted, each wing folds into a solar array blanket box just 51 centimetres (20 in) high and 4.57 metres (15.0 ft) in length. Each SAW is capable of generating nearly 31 Kilowatts (kW) of direct current power. When fully extended, each is 35 metres (115 ft) in length and 12 metres (39 ft) wide. ![]() ![]() Each wing is the largest ever deployed in space, weighing over 2,400 pounds and using nearly 33,000 solar arrays, each measuring 8-cm square with 4,100 diodes. See also: Integrated Truss Structure § Truss subsystems, and Roll Out Solar ArrayĮach ISS solar array wing (often abbreviated "SAW") consists of two retractable "blankets" of solar cells with a mast between them.
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