2 December 2014

Spectrolab manufactures record 4 millionth space solar cell

Boeing subsidiary Spectrolab Inc of Sylmar, CA, USA, which manufactures multi-junction solar cells and panels for concentrated photovoltaic and spacecraft power systems, says it is the first company to produce 4 million gallium arsenide (GaAs)-based solar cells for use in space. The cells have powered more than 380 spacecraft flights over more than 23 years.

Spectrolab provides products to the commercial satellite industry, the US Department of Defense, NASA and domestic and global aerospace companies.

Picture: A satellite in Boeing’s Satellite Development Center in El Segundo, CA, powered by solar panels built by Spectrolab.

“Spectrolab cells are providing power for the International Space Station [ISS], and hundreds of satellites and other spacecraft that help keep our world connected with communications and information,” says Spectrolab’s president Troy Dawson. “Our extensive space solar cell experience, combined with continuing investments in the business and technology, continues to strengthen our competitiveness in both space and ground-based markets,” he adds.

Since 1956, Spectrolab has made technological advances  including most recently creating a new solar cell wafer that is projected to reduce customer costs by up to 15%, through design and manufacturing improvements.

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Visit: www.spectrolab.com