Hanwha Systems to Supply Solar Cells for Nuriho 4th Launch

In-house Venture Plexel Space Validates New Material Solar Cells

Hanwha Systems announced on the 13th that its in-house venture 'Plexel Space' and Inha University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation in satellite and solar cell technologies.

Cell structure of the 'Tandem Flexible Solar Cell for Space' developed by Hanwha Systems' in-house venture Flexel Space. [Photo by Hanwha Systems]

Through this agreement, the two organizations will focus on technological collaboration for satellite design innovation and join forces to advance domestic space industry materials, parts, and equipment products, as well as secure global leadership.

Plexel Space will supply its self-developed 'space-grade tandem flexible solar cells' to Inha University's observation satellite 'INHARoSAT,' which has been selected as a secondary payload satellite for the fourth Nuri rocket launch scheduled for the second half of next year.

Tandem solar cells are next-generation solar cells that stack two cells to complementarily absorb sunlight in different wavelength ranges, thereby increasing efficiency.

A Hanwha Systems official explained, "Tandem solar cells can provide lighter weight and higher output compared to existing product lines at a lower cost, making them a driving force for the development of the satellite and spacecraft industries."

Plexel Space's tandem solar cells are flexible and can be rolled and unrolled like a scroll. They can be applied to various satellite surfaces, including small areas and curved surfaces.

Plexel Space will focus on securing space heritage for tandem solar cells to enhance efficiency and reliability. Inha University plans to integrate innovative solar cell technology during satellite development to increase differentiated competitiveness in the space sector.

Antae Hoon, a senior researcher at Hanwha Systems and CEO of Plexel Space, said, "This agreement is the first step to verify the operability of future solar cells incorporating commercial technology," adding, "We plan to prove their practical value by withstanding the actual space environment, which involves repeated exposure to radiation, extreme heat, and extreme cold caused by solar heat."

He added, "By verifying the performance of the world's first new material solar cells in space, we will establish a unique position in the global space solar cell market."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.