Mitsubishi Electric Corporation announced it has been selected as a representative organization for the technology development titled “Development of Domestic Solar Cells, Cover Glass, and Solar Arrays” under the “Development/Verification of Parts/Components for the Establishment of Satellite Supply Chain,” one of the technology development themes included in the 1st Phase of the Space Strategy Fund operated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The company has signed a contract with JAXA covering this development.
In recent years, with the expansion of the satellite market, including low-earth-orbit satellite constellations, the demand for solar cells onboard satellites and cover glass to protect solar cells from space radiation has increased, and a global supply shortage has caused high prices and long delivery times.
As part of this project, Mitsubishi Electric will develop low-cost, mass-producible solar cells in collaboration with domestic suppliers who have expertise in the solar cell field. In addition, the company will verify the applicability of glass used for ground-based products to the space environment and work toward the mass production of low-cost cover glass. Furthermore, Mitsubishi Electric will develop new solar arrays incorporating the new solar cells and cover glass, aiming to enable smoothly integrated domestic production of these. The company will help to strengthen the domestic satellite supply chain by reducing the cost of solar arrays and their components, and strengthening supply capabilities.
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