30 July 2014

Emcore awarded long-term supply contract for solar cell assemblies by Lockheed Martin

Emcore Corp of Albuquerque, NM, USA, which makes compound semiconductor-based components and subsystems for the fiber-optic and solar power markets, has entered into a new long-term supply agreement with Lockheed Martin Space Systems to design and manufacture multi-junction coverglass interconnected cells (CICs) for Lockheed Martin’s satellite program requirements.

Emcore has been a supplier of CICs for many previous space missions featuring satellites and spacecraft developed by Lockheed Martin. The CICs to be delivered under this new supply agreement are based on Emcore’s latest-generation ZTJ triple-junction solar cells, which are the result of years of R&D on high-efficiency, multi-junction solar cell technology for Lockheed Martin and several other major aerospace companies.

“This agreement with Lockheed Martin is one of the most significant contract awards in Emcore’s recent history and results from many years of productive collaboration between our two companies,” comments Dr Brad Clevenger, executive VP & general manager of Emcore’s Photovoltaics Division. “We are very pleased to enter into this next phase of our relationship and look forward to powering Lockheed Martin's next generation of programs for many years to come.”

Emcore manufactures radiation-hard solar cells, CICs and solar panels for space power applications. With a beginning-of-life (BOL) energy conversion efficiency nearing 30% and the option for a patented, onboard monolithic bypass diode, its multi-junction solar cells provide the among the highest available levels of performance to interplanetary spacecraft and earth orbiting satellites, says the firm.

Since 2001 Emcore solar cells or panels have supplied primary power to more than 130 space missions with zero on-orbit failures.

Tags: Emcore Multi-junction solar cells

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