Solar Array Wiring Harness
Solar Array Power and Signal Harness Assembly
The solar array power and signal harness assembly is a cabling network of PTFE-insulated copper conductors, Kapton wrapping, and titanium connector shells that routes electrical power from solar cells to conditioning electronics with minimal resistive loss. Operating on the lunar surface imposes severe mechanical and electrical stresses over a 100-year design life. Decades of ultraviolet radiation exposure degrade polymer insulation, while dust accumulation on exposed connectors risks electrical tracking faults. Additionally, continuous thermal cycling drives fatigue in solder joints and crimp connections, requiring dedicated flex provisions and strain relief to withstand repeated thermal expansion and rotation across solar array tracking drives.
Power and signal cabling connecting solar array strings to conditioning electronics and bus
Purpose
Route electrical power from solar cells to conditioning electronics with minimal losses
Context
Child of L2-PWR-SOL within the Lunar Ark power generation system
Principles
- ▸Low-resistance copper or aluminum conductors minimize I2R losses in power cables
- ▸PTFE/Kapton insulation provides radiation and temperature resistance for space wiring
- ▸Shielded twisted pairs for signal cables prevent EMI from power switching
- ▸Strain relief and flex provisions accommodate thermal expansion and tracking motion
Typical implementations
- ▸Gore space-rated wiring harness assemblies
- ▸TE Connectivity space-grade connectors and cable assemblies
- ▸Axon Cable space harnesses (European heritage)
- ▸Raychem heat-shrink and wire protection for space applications
Lunar considerations
- ▸UV radiation degrades exposed insulation over decades
- ▸Dust accumulation on exposed connectors can cause tracking faults
- ▸Thermal cycling fatigue of solder joints and crimp connections over 100 years
- ▸Must accommodate rotation across solar array drive slip ring or flex harness
Specifications
Functional
| primary function | Power and signal cabling connecting solar array strings to conditioning electronics and bus |
Physical
| materials | PTFE-insulated copper wire, Kapton tape wrapping, Titanium connector shells |
Interfaces
Provides
- Raw solar cell string power connections
Requires
- Solar cell string terminal connections
Cite this entry
Lunar Ark Codex. "Solar Array Wiring Harness" (L3-PWR-SOL-HARN). Retrieved 10 September 2026, from https://lunarark.com/entry/L3-PWR-SOL-HARN
Licensed CC-BY-SA 4.0. You may reuse and adapt this entry with attribution, under the same licence.