Specialized led assembly for out-atmospheric solar simulator

Traditional solar simulators for thermal vacuum tests of spacecraft are based on gas-discharge lamps. Due to the characteristics of such lamps, they can only be installed outside the thermal vacuum chamber. High-efficiency LEDs can be installed directly in the thermal vacuum chamber, which can significantly improve the luminous and operational characteristics of solar simulators. Obtaining a spectrum close to the spectrum of the extraterrestrial Sun (AM0) is one of the primary and most difficult tasks in ensuring that the luminous characteristics of the solar simulator meet the requirements. The article considers a previously proposed model of a combined emitter consisting of halogen lamps and assemblies of highperformance LEDs of various wavelengths. We have proposed a method for determining the spectral match for AM0 solar simulators and determined the requirements for LED assemblies intended for use in the combined emitter. Simulation with a sample of the most suitable commercially available LED assembly, at the nominal power level of halogen lamps, showed a good spectral match, which deteriorates significantly with decreasing lamp power. At the same time, many programs and methods of thermal vacuum tests require simulation of different irradiance levels. Taking this into account, the authors developed an experimental LED assembly. Simulation of the combined emitter with this LED assembly showed the best results. The required spectral match is maintained at various irradiance levels. The achieved characteristics of the developed LED assembly are not limiting and can be improved by further optimization.