Flexell Space and Satoro Partner for Solar Testing
The companies plan two orbital demonstration missions to validate new solar cell performance in space.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Space
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Flexell Space and Satoro have signed an agreement to conduct in-orbit demonstrations of solar cell technology. The collaboration seeks to verify the reliability of new energy components for future commercial applications.
Why it matters
Validating solar technology in the harsh environment of space is a critical step toward proving the long-term viability of advanced power solutions. These missions provide the data necessary to transition experimental designs into reliable commercial hardware.
Flexell Space is testing solar modules utilizing CIGS and perovskite technologies in space, building on past missions from 2025 and 2026. Satoro will utilize its satellite-as-a-service platform for these tests, leveraging its track record of 11 successful satellite deployments across eight launches since 2021.
The players
Flexell Space
Based in Uiwang-si, Korea, this company focuses on developing advanced solar cell technologies including CIGS and perovskites.
Satoro
Headquartered in Singapore, this firm provides satellite-as-a-service solutions and has achieved an unblemished launch record since 2021.
SpaceX
This American aerospace company operates the Falcon 9 launch vehicles slated to carry the demonstration payloads into orbit.
The details
Satoro will manufacture the satellites used for the tests, while Flexell Space provides the specialized solar cells and test modules. Both demonstration missions are scheduled for transport into orbit using SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets.
Timeline
Satoro began deploying satellites into orbit in 2021.
Flexell Space conducted a previous space demonstration mission in November 2025.
Another demonstration mission was completed by Flexell Space in October 2026.
The first new demonstration mission is scheduled for 2027.
The second demonstration mission is planned for 2028.
The Big Picture
This partnership reflects a shift toward using small-scale orbital demonstration missions to bridge the gap between material research and space-hardened energy production. By focusing on CIGS and perovskites, the collaboration updates established solar performance benchmarks to match the needs of modern satellite power systems.
The success of these solar modules could lead to significantly more efficient and lighter power systems for future satellites and space stations. Improved solar performance may eventually reduce the cost of operating space-based infrastructure by lowering energy storage and weight requirements.
The takeaway
Commercializing space-based solar power requires rigorous in-orbit testing to ensure technology can survive extreme thermal cycling and radiation. These upcoming missions represent a systematic approach to turning experimental material science into functional space hardware.
Further reading
For more information on the current state of orbital testing, visit the Space section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by SpaceNews.
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