Printed Solar Cells in Space

Solar power is one of the primary energy sources used in space. Current space-grade solar panels are rigid, relatively heavy, and expensive. Our flexible and lightweight printed solar cells offer a potential alternative, reducing stowed volume and weight costs. While they are currently less efficient than conventional rigid cells used in space, their steadily improving efficiency offers the prospect of exceptional power-to-weight ratio, and in the future are predicted be an order of magnitude cheaper.

With funding through CSIRO’s Space Technology Future Science Platform, and in collaboration with Australian start-up Space Machines Company, a payload has been developed to enable our next-generation printed solar cells to be tested on their Optimus-1 OSV spacecraft. Launched on March 5 2024, this will be the first time this type of solar cell technology has been tested in space.

The aim of this initial test is to track the on-orbit performance of printed mini-modules attached to the payload surface. Based on our laboratory studies, the mini-modules are expected to be resistant to the effects of cosmic electron and gamma radiation. After incorporation into the payload, they also passed all necessary vibrational and thermal space-qualification testing.

The data collected during this mission is critical for evaluating the performance of this technology under real space conditions. Ultimately the goal is to deploy our rollable printed solar panels using a light, compact dispenser that will minimise stowage volume on satellites.

For more information about our printed solar cell technology, including examples of terrestrial applications, please click on the links at the top of this page.

CSIRO’s printed mini-modules payload mounted on the Optimus-1 OSV (Orbital Servicing Vehicle) at Space Machine Company’s Sydney facility. Photographs courtesy of Space Machines Company.