Power Contingency/Margin Methodology and Operational Envelope Analysis for PlanarSats

Abstract

This paper presents a power-centric systems-engineering approach for PlanarSats and for atto-, and femto-class spacecraft where surface-limited power dominates design. We review agency practices (The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), European Space Agency (ESA), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)) and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) framework, then extend them with refined low-power subcategories and a log-linear method for selecting phase- and class-appropriate power contingencies. The method is applied to historical and conceptual PlanarSats to show how contingencies translate into required array area, allowable incidence angles, and duty cycle, linking power sizing to geometry and operations. We define the operational power envelope as the range of satellite orientations and conditions under which generated power meets or exceeds mission requirements. Consistent with agency guidance, sizing is performed to the maximum expected value (MEV) (CBE plus contingency); when bounding or stress analyses are needed, we report the maximum possible value (MPV) (Maximum Possible Value) by applying justified system-level margins to the MEV. Results indicate that disciplined, phase-aware contingency selection materially reduces power-related risk and supports reliable, scalable PlanarSat missions under severe physical constraints.