Multi-junction solar cells manufactured
by Boeing’s Spectrolab unit were inducted today into the Space Technology
Hall of Fame at the 20th National Space Symposium sponsored by the U.S.
Space Foundation.
Four Spectrolab associates – Bruce T. Cavicchi, James Ermer, Dr. Nasser H.
Karam and Dr. Richard R. King – were honored at the 16th Space Technology
Hall of Fame dinner in Colorado Springs, Colo. Also honored were
representatives of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for sponsoring
research and development in this technology area.
Spectrolab, a wholly owned subsidiary of Boeing Satellite Systems, is the
leading manufacturer of space-qualified multi-junction solar cells and
panels. The latest solar cells now in production, called the Ultra Triple
Junction solar cells, feature Spectrolab’s third-generation triple junction
design. These cells are able to convert more than 28 percent of the sunlight
reaching them into electricity, making them the world’s most efficient solar
cell available in the industry.
"This award is a fitting and well deserved tribute to the Spectrolab team.
Spectrolab solar cells and panels have provided reliable power for many
decades to all our satellite models, and have enabled satellite power growth
across the industry in recent years," said David Ryan, vice president and
general manager of Boeing Satellite Systems. "The high performance and
reliability of Spectrolab solar panels has been consistently validated on
our high power Boeing 601HP and 702 satellites and we have already
incorporated their Ultra Triple Junction technology into our latest
satellite designs."
Dr. David Lillington, president of Spectrolab, praised his colleagues for
dedication to continuous improvement in the quality, reliability and
performance of space solar panels. He also thanked the Air Force for
supporting Spectrolab’s efforts to develop this technology.
Spectrolab triple junction solar cells are currently powering numerous
commercial and government satellites, including Galaxy IIIC, a Boeing 702
satellite that is one of the world’s most powerful satellites ever launched
into space.
To date, Spectrolab has delivered more than 1.4 million multi-junction space
solar cells to leading domestic and international satellite manufacturers,
accounting for more than 350 kilowatts of power generated on orbit.
Spectrolab solar cells and panels have powered more than 500 satellites and
interplanetary missions during the past 40 years.
Multi-junction solar cell development was supported by multiple agencies
including the U.S. Air Force and NASA, under cost-share programs. The
technology gives satellite operators the option to double the power
generation capabilities of their satellites, therefore increasing their
revenue potential, or controlling costs by reducing spacecraft size without
sacrificing spacecraft capability.
Headquartered in Sylmar, Calif., Spectrolab is also a leading supplier of
searchlights and solar simulators. Visit Spectrolab’s website at
www.spectrolab.com.
