BS ISO 23038-2018 PDF

Full title and description

STB BS ISO 23038-2018 — Space systems — Space solar cells — Electron and proton irradiation test methods. This document specifies standardised methods for performing electron and proton irradiation tests on space solar cells used in spacecraft and satellite power systems, and is published as ISO 23038:2018 (adopted nationally in forms such as BS ISO 23038:2018).

Abstract

ISO 23038:2018 (second edition) specifies requirements for electron and proton irradiation test methods applied to space solar cells. It covers the test environment and practical test considerations for electron and proton irradiations but does not prescribe methods for subsequent data analysis. The standard is intended to support consistent, repeatable radiation testing for qualification and comparative evaluation of space photovoltaic devices.

General information

• Status: Published / Valid (current edition published 2018; under routine review per ISO lifecycle).
• Publication date: February 2018 (ISO edition 2, published February 2018; national adoptions show February 2018 publication dates).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Also available as national/adopted publications (for example BSI as BS ISO 23038:2018).
• ICS / categories: 49.140 — Space systems and operations.
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2018).
• Number of pages: 9 pages (ISO published PDF length); some national formatted versions list a larger printed page count for the adopted national document.

Scope

Defines standard test procedures and practical requirements for subjecting space solar cells to electron and proton irradiation that simulate space radiation environments. The standard addresses vacuum and temperature conditions during irradiation, beam uniformity and coverage, flux/fluence/dosimetry considerations, specimen mounting and biasing, and post‑irradiation phenomena (e.g., annealing). It is limited to test methods (not to data analysis or system‑level modelling). Use of the methods is intended for qualification, acceptance and comparative laboratory testing of cells intended for space applications.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and terminology for radiation testing of solar cells (common symbols and abbreviated terms).
• Description of relevant space radiation environments and shielding effects to be considered when designing tests.
• General radiation effects on solar cells and on cover/encapsulation materials.
• Detailed requirements for electron irradiation tests: vacuum level, temperature control, irradiation area coverage, beam uniformity, flux/fluence levels and dosimetry, and practical test arrangements.
• Detailed requirements for proton irradiation tests: test environment, coverage and dosimetry considerations, and special practical considerations for protons.
• Guidance on post‑irradiation phenomena such as annealing and recommended reporting items for test records and results.

Typical use and users

Applied by spacecraft manufacturers, satellite power‑subsystem engineers, solar cell manufacturers and test laboratories performing qualification, acceptance or comparative radiation hardness tests for space photovoltaic devices. Also used by mission assurance, procurement and R&D teams who need standardised irradiation methods to characterize cell performance degradation and to compare technologies under standard test conditions.

Related standards

Related guidance and complementary standards include earlier ISO 23038:2006 (the withdrawn first edition), European and national space product‑assurance and radiation‑hardness documents (for example EN/ECSS derived radiation assurance standards), and organisational space‑qualification documents such as AIAA S‑111 (space qualification and test guidelines for solar cells and arrays). These documents are commonly used alongside ISO 23038 to define project‑specific RHA programmes and qualification test levels.

Keywords

space solar cells, irradiation test methods, electron irradiation, proton irradiation, radiation hardness, space systems, solar cell qualification, dosimetry, vacuum testing, annealing.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 23038:2018 is an international standard that specifies electron and proton irradiation test methods for space solar cells; it is published by ISO and available as adopted national versions (e.g., BS ISO 23038:2018).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the practical test arrangements and requirements for performing electron and proton irradiation on space solar cells (vacuum, temperature, beam coverage and uniformity, flux/fluence and dosimetry, specimen handling and reporting). It does not specify methods for subsequent data analysis.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Satellite/spacecraft manufacturers, solar‑cell producers, independent test laboratories, and mission assurance teams who need agreed, repeatable radiation test procedures for qualifying and comparing photovoltaic devices for space use.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2018 edition (Edition 2) is the current published edition and it revised and replaced the earlier ISO 23038:2006. ISO standards are routinely reviewed on a five‑year cycle; users should check with their national standards body for any updates or revisions after 2018.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: ISO 23038 is a standalone test‑methods standard within the ISO technical committee structure for space systems (ISO/TC 20/SC 14). It is commonly used alongside other space product‑assurance and radiation‑hardness standards (ECSS/EN/AIAA guidance) to form a project‑level radiation assurance and qualification programme.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: space solar cells; electron irradiation; proton irradiation; radiation test methods; dosimetry; radiation hardness assurance; space qualification; vacuum testing; annealing.