News Article
Emcore Delivers Millionth III-V Solar Cell
The multi-junction solar cell to Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) will represent more than a megawatt of power delivered into space
Emcore and Space Systems/Loral will celebrate the occasion of Emcore's 1 millionth solar cell with a special event at Emcore's Albuquerque facilities during the week of February 25th, and with a commemorative award symbolising the feat.
Emcore has been supplying SS/L with high-efficiency, multi-junction solar cells for more than 10 years. In May 2009, the firm announced a long term supply agreement with SS/L to continue manufacturing and delivering solar cells for its spacecraft programs through 2014.
Emcore's business relationship with Space Systems/Loral has been integral to the development of the company's photovoltaics division and the growth of its space satellite solar power business.
"The Emcore team continually demonstrates their dedication to our business," says Vivian Mackintosh, Vice President of Supply Chain Management at Space Systems/Loral. "Emcore is more than just a supplier to SS/L. We have developed a close collaborative working relationship that ensures on time delivery and the highest level of quality."
"Delivering 1 million solar cells for more than 50 successful satellite launches by Space Systems/Loral is a tremendous milestone for Emcore and our space satellite solar business," adds Hong Hou, Chief Executive Officer at Emcore. "We are especially proud to have achieved this milestone with our solar cells meeting all requirements for performance and reliability. We are delighted and very grateful to continue this relationship, and we look forward to working with Space Systems/Loral to power their satellite missions for many years to come."
Emcore's multi-junction solar cells have a Beginning-Of-Life (BOL) conversion efficiency nearing 30 percent and the option for a patented, onboard monolithic bypass diode to provide one of the highest available powers to interplanetary spacecraft and earth orbiting satellites.
