Spectrolab has delivered more than 35 kilowatts of these high-efficiency devices to numerous flight programs for both commercial and U.S. government applications. These next-generation cells reaching 27 percent efficiencies have been delivered for three U.S. flight programs. The first is scheduled to launch in late summer 2000. The use of more efficient solar cells makes it possible to increase the power on existing satellite models and reduce time to market of today's satellite designs. The added efficiency also makes it possible to have either a lighter, smaller array of equivalent power or a more powerful array with no increase in size or weight.
Improved efficiency means a reduction in launch and on-orbit operational costs.
Spectrolab is currently working under a jointly funded development contract with the U.S. Air Force to deliver 35 percent efficiency space solar cells by 2002. DSS, a DaimlerChrysler Aerospace company, has been supplying satellites and satellite subsystems to the space industry since 1969. This includes more than 300 solar arrays for various European government and worldwide telecommunications applications. DSS is positioned to join the anticipated Astrium Company with Matra Marconi Systems this year. Spectrolab has been supplying solar cells and arrays to the space industry since 1958.