One of the key aspects of satellite operations is ensuring continuous power supply through smooth transitions between solar power and battery power. Each orbit around the Earth is a recurring test for the power system, which must operate stably and predictably under changing orbital conditions.

The PIAST (Polish ImAging SaTellites) constellation has been in orbit for more than four weeks. We are now presenting further charts illustrating the operation of key subsystems of the HyperSat platform, developed by Creotech Instruments and used in this mission.

The first chart shows the battery charging and discharging current. Positive values indicate battery charging during the sunlit part of the orbit, while negative values represent battery discharge when the satellite is in the Earth’s shadow and stored energy powers the spacecraft. In the presented orbital segment, the satellite remains in Earth’s shadow from approximately 04:30 and returns to full sunlight at around 05:05.

The second chart presents the current generated by one of the solar panels aboard a PIAST constellation satellite. In the sunlit phase of the orbit, solar energy simultaneously powers the satellite and charges the batteries. In the Earth’s shadow, power generation ceases and the current drops to zero.

Over the past weeks in orbit, each PIAST satellite has passed through this cycle many times. The stability and repeatability of these profiles provide strong confirmation that the power systems are operating exactly as designed – a fundamental requirement for reliable space missions.

The PIAST program is carried out by a consortium comprising the Military University of Technology, Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation, the Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Scanway, PCO S.A., and Creotech Instruments. The program is co-financed by the National Centre for Research and Development.

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