EE Colloquium: Overview of Space Solar Cell Development at NASA

Jeremiah McNatt of the NASA John Glenn Research Center will be the speaker.

Abstract

NASA GRC leads the Agency in developing photovoltaic technologies to support missions to explore space. The Photovoltaic Group at NASA GRC supports research and development efforts ranging from small scale laboratory projects to in-space flight missions. An overview of the group’s efforts including current/recent projects and testing facilities will be presented. Additionally, information on NASA GRC’s internship and fellowship programs will be discussed.

Biography

Jeremiah McNatt is the Photovoltaic Technology Lead of the Photovoltaic and Electrochemical Systems Branch at the NASA John Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. He has been a member of the branch for the past 19 years and leads multiple R&D programs to enhance solar power performance for space applications. He has a bachelor’s degree in Physics from The University of Akron and a master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Case Western Reserve University. He has worked on a variety of space solar cell related programs including thin film, organic, and high-efficiency cell development and is currently working on solar arrays for unique applications including high temperature/high intensity, low temperature/low intensity, and planetary surfaces. His background includes growth of high efficiency solar cells and packaging of arrays for optimal performance in their environment.