Many MindedKorean solar startup books two flights to prove ultralight satellite cells
Flexell Space, a Korean space energy company, has agreed with Singapore-based CubeSat builder Satoro to test its next-generation solar cells in orbit. Two demonstration missions are planned, one in 2027 and one in 2028. Each satellite is scheduled to launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9. Satoro will build the satellites, and Flexell will supply the solar cells and test modules to be integrated.
Flexell is developing cells based on CIGS (copper indium gallium selenide) and perovskites, aimed at low-cost, large-area, ultralight satellite power. The company says it will compare ground-test results with in-orbit data and track power output and performance changes over time. It has already flown two space demonstrations on Korea's KSLV-II launches, in November 2025 and October 2026. The company began as an internal venture at Hanwha Systems. Satoro sells satellite-as-a-service, covering manufacturing, payload integration, launch coordination and in-orbit demonstration. It says it has put 11 satellites into orbit across eight launches with a 100% launch success rate.
Power is a large share of what a satellite weighs and costs. Lighter, cheaper flexible cells could lower the price of getting power into orbit. That would also make it cheaper to run the satellites that carry connectivity. A small-satellite service that handles integration and launch also lowers the barrier for a young solar company to get flight data.
Treat this as early. The source is a company press release with promotional quotes from both CEOs. Performance of these cells in orbit is not yet demonstrated, and the missions exist to find that out. No contract value, satellite specifications or exact launch dates were given, and the launch record is Satoro's own claim. The results from the 2027 flight are the thing to watch.
Source: SpaceNews