A recent study by the NASA Glenn Research Center assessed the fe A recent study by the NASA Glenn Research Center assessed the feasibility of using asibility of using photovoltaics photovoltaics (PV) to power spacecraft for outer planetary, deep space missio (PV) to power spacecraft for outer planetary, deep space missions. ns. While the majority of spacecraft have relied on While the majority of spacecraft have relied on photovoltaics photovoltaics for primary power, the for primary power, the drastic reduction in solar intensity as the spacecraft moves far drastic reduction in solar intensity as the spacecraft moves farther from the sun has ther from the sun has either limited the power available (severely curtailing scientif either limited the power available (severely curtailing scientific operations) or ic operations) or necessitated the use of nuclear systems. A desire by NASA and th necessitated the use of nuclear systems. A desire by NASA and the scientific e scientific community to explore various bodies in the outer solar system an community to explore various bodies in the outer solar system and conduct d conduct " "long long--term term" " operations using smaller, operations using smaller, " "lower lower--cost cost" " spacecraft has renewed interest in spacecraft has renewed interest in exploring the feasibility of using exploring the feasibility of using photovoltaics photovoltaics for missions to Jupiter, Saturn and for missions to Jupiter, Saturn and beyond. With recent advances in solar cell performance and conti beyond. With recent advances in solar cell performance and continuing development nuing development in lightweight, high power solar array technology, the study det in lightweight, high power solar array technology, the study determined that ermined that photovoltaics photovoltaics is indeed a viable option for many of these missions.is indeed a viable option for many of these missions.