Perovskite-based Photovoltaics: A New Pathway to Ultra- Low-Cost Space Power

We will determine if the lifetime performance of new perovskite-based solar cells can be engineered for long-term performance for space applications. We will utilize cutting-edge designs for long lifetime, engineer our own samples, and characterize performance throughout standardized lifetime testing appropriate for space technology. Thin film solar cells have long held promise as enabling technology for flexible arrays and radiation hardness. The meteoric efficiency rise (reaching 22%1) for new solar cells in the perovskite structure family - from now on referred to simply as perovskites2 - represent an exceedingly attractive option for potential space applications. We envision this technology to enable the ubiquity of low-cost smallsats and CubeSats that can be utilized for power-hungry, high fidelity experiments and measurements. Mass production and automated assembly of these systems helps bring down cost and standardizes launch requirements. Additional applications include autonomous, roll-out solar arrays for extra-terrestrial surface deployments. In these two visions the current state of the art is disrupted by the thin, flexibility of perovskites, their ease of fabrication and high efficiency. The goal is to transfer the perovskite solar cells from research laboratory curiosity to potential game-changing, space qualified technology.

Ultimately the utilization of high efficiency thin film solar arrays are potentially transformational technology for large, direct drive SEP cargo tugs that traverse a host of different radiation conditions. Mass production of these devices would be transformational for future large scale SEP spacecraft as these devices significantly reduce cost overhead in power generation and enable high voltage operation. These properties could enable direct-drive SEP operation reducing weight over SOA by ~35%.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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