ISO 23038-2018 PDF

Full title and description

Space systems — Space solar cells — Electron and proton irradiation test methods. Specifies standardized test methods and requirements for performing electron and proton irradiation of space solar cells (test procedures only; data analysis methods are outside the scope of this document).

Abstract

This International Standard (ISO 23038:2018, 2nd edition) defines the procedures, apparatus and conditions for irradiating space solar cells with electrons and protons to assess radiation exposure effects. It covers test setup, beam/dosimetry requirements, sample handling and environmental conditions required to obtain repeatable irradiation results; it does not prescribe methods for subsequent data analysis or interpretation.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: February 2018 (Edition 2, 2018-02).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 49.140 — Space systems and operations.
• Edition / version: 2 (2018). Replaces ISO 23038:2006.
• Number of pages: 9 (ISO official publication count).

Scope

ISO 23038:2018 specifies requirements for performing electron- and proton‑beam irradiation tests on space solar cells. The standard addresses test equipment and configuration (beam energy, fluence, uniformity), sample mounting and orientation, environmental conditions (vacuum and temperature control during irradiation), dosimetry and calibration procedures, and reporting of test conditions and results. It explicitly excludes guidance on analyzing or interpreting the electrical performance data produced by those irradiation tests.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and test purpose: radiation environment simulation for space solar cells.
• Beam parameters: recommended electron and proton energies, fluences and dose rates to simulate space conditions.
• Uniformity and scanning: methods to ensure uniform irradiation over cell active area.
• Dosimetry and calibration: measurement and traceability of fluence/dose (Faraday cup, reference detectors, etc.).
• Sample handling and mounting: orientation, electrical connections, mechanical fixtures and shielding considerations.
• Environmental control: vacuum level and temperature control during irradiation to reproduce space-like conditions.
• Reporting: minimum test-record requirements (test beam parameters, dosimetry, sample ID, pre/post conditions); excludes data-analysis procedures.
• Safety and equipment checks: verification, beam monitoring and test termination criteria.

Typical use and users

Used by space agencies, spacecraft prime contractors, solar-cell manufacturers, independent test laboratories and research institutions to qualify, compare and document the radiation performance of space photovoltaic cells and components prior to integration into flight hardware. It supports mission assurance and payload qualification activities where proton and electron radiation effects are a design driver.

Related standards

Replaces ISO 23038:2006 (previous edition). Related documents and complementary standards include agency and sector specifications for photovoltaic qualification (for example ECSS photovoltaic/photovoltaic‑assembly requirements) and standards covering solar‑simulator and photovoltaic test methods (IEC and ASTM series for solar simulator performance and PV electrical testing). These related documents typically address qualification criteria, environmental testing beyond charged‑particle irradiation, and calibration/measurement traceability.

Keywords

space solar cells; photovoltaic; irradiation testing; electron irradiation; proton irradiation; dosimetry; fluence; beam uniformity; vacuum testing; temperature control; space qualification.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 23038:2018 is an international standard that specifies test methods for irradiating space solar cells with electrons and protons to reproduce aspects of the space radiation environment for qualification and evaluation purposes.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers test procedures, beam and dosimetry requirements, sample mounting and environmental control for electron and proton irradiation of space solar cells. It does not cover how to analyse the electrical or performance data collected during or after tests.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Space agencies, spacecraft and solar‑cell manufacturers, independent radiation test laboratories and academic researchers involved in space photovoltaic development and qualification use this standard. It is part of the test/qualification toolkit used before flight acceptance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: This is the 2nd edition, published in February 2018; it replaced the 2006 edition. The ISO lifecycle requires periodic review of standards (typically every five years), so users should check for any later revisions or confirmations through their national or ISO catalogues when preparing procurement or qualification plans.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: ISO 23038 is a standalone standard focused on charged‑particle irradiation of space solar cells but is commonly used together with other space‑power and photovoltaic standards (agency technical standards, ECSS documents, IEC/ASTM photovoltaic test standards and calibration guidance) to form a complete qualification program.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Space solar cells, electron irradiation, proton irradiation, dosimetry, fluence, beam uniformity, vacuum testing, temperature control, photovoltaic qualification.