According to Alta Devices, small satellites (SmallSats) are emerging as a vital category of spacecraft worldwide. Developers want to take advantage of the low cost, ease of design, and deployment, and flexibility of SmallSats, relative to other types of spacecraft.
Satellites have always used solar technology, however the demands required of this technology are more challenging for SmallSats. To enable the autonomy of small satellites, solar solutions must generate significant power from small launch packages, be lightweight, and allow engineers to be creative and innovative. The best solar power for this new generation of space applications is efficient, lightweight, flexible, and scalable to constellations of satellites, without compromising design.
At the Annual Small Satellite Conference this week, Alta Devices (Booth #145) will exhibit its unique solar technology. This will include details about the recent introduction of Alta Devices Gen4 solar cell technology and displays of solar panels, small satellite innovations and small satellites from our partners and customers. Also, the company will feature an ongoing presentation in its booth discussing the question: “How can you meet the power requirements of Space 2.0?”
According to Alta, its cells provide a new level of mechanical and design flexibility for the small satellite industry by leveraging a patented, high-volume terrestrial manufacturing process to create high-efficiency solar arrays with excellent packing factor in a thin, flexible, and lightweight form-factor. This technology maximizes power while minimizing cost and launch-weight. Alta Devices is the world-record holder for single junction solar cells at 28.9 per cent efficiency (AM1.5). The latest generation product from Alta demonstrates a significant weight reduction from the previous version resulting in an improved power to weight ratio of up to 160%.
Ready for lift off? Get more information from Alta Devices.