The Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) and Flexcel Space announced on the 27th that they signed a technology transfer contract for the ultra-lightweight flexible CIGS (copper, indium, gallium, selenium) solar cell processing technology and know-how necessary for the implementation of next-generation space tandem solar cells at the 2025 International Climate Industry Expo held at BEXCO in Busan.
Recently, amid the rapid growth of the privately-led space market, known as the "New Space" era, there is a surging demand for small satellite manufacturing, leading to issues with supply imbalance and rising costs. The same situation applies to space solar cells used for the stable operation of artificial satellites.
In response, Flexcel Space, a space solar cell specialist, agreed to jointly develop ultra-lightweight thin-film tandem solar cells optimized for the lifespan and performance of small satellites by transferring the ultra-lightweight flexible CIGS solar cell technology held by KIER, and to push for market development to replace existing III-V-based space solar cells. The total scale of the technology transfer is 5.5 billion won.
CIGS solar cells are strong against thermal shock and radiation, making them stable for use in extreme environments like space. Additionally, because they can be manufactured on ultra-lightweight flexible substrates, they are suitable for fitting into artificial satellites, which often have significant weight and volume constraints. KIER has developed high-performance ultra-lightweight flexible CIGS solar cells (efficiency of 21.39%) and ultra-lightweight flexible CIGS/perovskite tandem solar cells (efficiency of 23.64%) as part of a market entry task.
Flexcel Space plans to implement space CIGS/perovskite tandem solar cells based on KIER's ultra-lightweight flexible CIGS thin-film solar cell technology and develop design and productivity enhancement technologies for actual satellite application. It will also establish a strategy to replace existing III-V products in the small satellite space solar cell market and actively pursue market development.
The solar cells developed by both organizations will undergo verification in actual space environments in conjunction with the 4th launch of the Nuri rocket slated for November this year. They plan to attach the jointly developed solar cells to the cube satellite "INHARoSAT" (manufactured by Inha University) to validate reliability and gain experience in conducting space missions.
Lee Chang-geun, head of KIER, noted that "ultra-lightweight flexible thin-film solar cells for space are a core component technology that supports Korea's space security in response to the New Space era" and stated, "Through this collaboration, we will lay an important foundation for pioneering the next-generation space solar cell market."
Flexcel Space director Roh Sin-young remarked, "Flexcel Space will provide innovative solutions to the rapidly growing space solar cell market through next-generation high-performance thin-film multi-junction solar cells, and we will secure global competitiveness through continuous improvement in performance and productivity in preparation for mass production."