Automated assembly methods for fabricating space vehicles

The method of claim 5, further comprising;

• forming a string configuration of CICs;
• interconnecting a plurality of string configurations of CICs;
• bonding string configurations or interconnected string configurations to a substrate to form a solar cell array panel;
• configuring and wiring an electrical circuit on the panel;
• and
• testing the functionality of the solar cell panel;
• wherein at least one of the preceding method steps is performed using an automated process.

A method of fabricating a space vehicle including a solar cell array panel, the method comprising:

• providing a plurality of multijunction solar cells;
• dispensing an uncured silicone coaling on each of the solar cells using an automated process with visual recognition;
• picking a cover glass from a cartridge stack and mounting the cover glass over the discrete respective solar cell to form a discrete Cell-Interconnect-Cover Glass (CIC) assembly;
• curing the silicone coating on each of the solar cells to mount it to the panel;
• and
• mounting the panel on the space vehicle.

A method of fabricating a space vehicle comprising:

• providing a space vehicle housing;
• providing a payload within the space vehicle housing;
• providing a solar cell array panel for coupling to the housing, wherein the panel is fabricated by providing a plurality of multijunction solar cells;
• positioning and attaching a plurality of the multijunction solar cells to the panel;
• electrically connecting the plurality of the multijunction solar cells in series to provide solar cell string;
• positioning and attaching the solar cell string to the panel:
• testing the functionality of the panel, mounting the panel on the space vehicle;
• wherein at least one of the method steps is performed using one or more automated processes using a robot;
• and
• wherein at least one of the one or more automated processes uses machine vision, and a pick and place assembly tool;
• automatic vapor disposition equipment;
• automatic metal plating equipment;
• automatic lithographic techniques, automatic etching techniques;
• automatic testing equipment;
• automatic soldering or laser welding equipment.