Ricoh Company’s perovskite solar cells are being used as part of an in-orbit demonstration on the Space Solar Cell Demonstration System (SDX) to explore the capabilities of the cells in space.
The DSX is attached to HTV-X1, a new uncrewed cargo transfer ‘spacecraft’ developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), which launched October 26.
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JAXA conducted the demonstration following HTV-X1’s delivery of supplies to the International Space Station (ISS) on October 30.
Over approximately two months, Ricoh’s perovskite cells will be exposed to space and measured for current-voltage characteristics, power generation performance and durability to determine their effectiveness for future space use.
The solar cell energy is used to power crucial systems on the satellite including sensors, communication equipment and computers, as well as for electrical propulsion and to charge batteries that power the satellite during low light.
Perovskite cells offer a promising alternative to standard silicon solar cells for their high-power generation at low lights, strong resistance to cosmic radiation and potential for lightweight and flexible designs.
Closer to home, Australia’s national science agency CSIRO has printed flexible solar cell technology that launched into space aboard Australia’s largest satellite, Optimus-1, as part of SpaceX’s Transporter-10 mission in early 2024.
CSIRO space program director Dr Kimberley Clayfield said developing low-mass, high-efficiency power systems is a major challenge in spacecraft engineering.
“CSIRO’s printed flexible solar cells could provide a reliable, lightweight energy solution for future space operations and exploration,” Dr Clayfield said.
In April 2025, solar company LONGi set the world record for its two-terminal crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem solar cell that achieved a conversion efficiency of 34.85%, surpassing the maximum theoretical conversion efficiency of 29% for silicon cells.
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Ricoh plans to improve its perovskite efficiency and durability capabilities by integrating inkjets for printed solar cells and organic photoconductor technologies.
Advancements in printed solar cells could revolutionise how energy is generated and open possibilities for the cells to be installed on buildings, vehicles, clothes and wearables.
