Yanhe Technology, based in Beijing, recently launched three distinct perovskite-based photovoltaic modules into low Earth orbit. The primary goal of this mission is to thoroughly assess their performance in the challenging environment of space. This launch, which occurred on November 7, 2026, represents a significant step in the development and evaluation of advanced solar technologies for orbital applications.
What Are Perovskite Solar Modules?
Perovskite solar cells represent a newer class of solar technology that uses a specific crystal structure, known as a perovskite, to convert sunlight into electricity. These materials have attracted considerable attention due to their potential for high efficiency and lower manufacturing costs compared to conventional silicon-based solar cells. For space applications, perovskites are particularly appealing because they could offer high specific power, meaning more power per unit of weight, and potentially reduce material expenses compared to the gallium arsenide solar cells commonly used on satellites today. Research into perovskite technology aims to overcome challenges such as long-term stability and consistent performance under various environmental stresses.
The Orbital Mission: What's Being Tested?
Yanhe Technology deployed three independently developed space photovoltaic modules into a 535 km sun-synchronous orbit. This mission is notable as China's first simultaneous in-orbit validation of three perovskite-based PV technologies. The modules were launched aboard Galactic Energy’s Ceres-2 Y3 rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
- Perovskite-Silicon Tandem Module: One of two tandem devices, this module combines perovskite layers with conventional crystalline silicon. It is installed on the North University of China-1 satellite.
- Perovskite-CIGS Tandem Module: The second tandem device integrates perovskite with CIGS (copper indium gallium selenide) technology. This module is also onboard the North University of China-1 satellite, which operates in a dawn-dusk orbit, demanding high power density and long-term stability from its power systems.
- Flexible Single-Junction Perovskite Module: This flexible device is installed on the Yunyao-1 28 satellite. Its performance will be monitored for degradation caused by particle radiation and atomic oxygen exposure, and it will undergo imaging during thermal cycling.
Yanhe Technology has not publicly shared specific technical details such as the conversion efficiencies, power outputs, active areas, or weights of these modules. This latest launch builds upon an earlier in-orbit testing campaign from September, when Yanhe deployed a flexible perovskite module on the Tianyi-52 satellite for long-term monitoring, marking China's first component-level in-orbit test of flexible perovskite PV technology.
Why Perovskites for Space?
The space industry, particularly the rapidly expanding low Earth orbit satellite constellation market, is a key target for perovskite solar technology. Lighter photovoltaic modules could significantly reduce launch costs for satellites. Yanhe's Chief Technology Officer, Peng Zongyang, highlighted that the perovskite-silicon and perovskite-CIGS tandem architectures are designed for different segments of the space PV market. The mission aims to evaluate the efficiency and stability of both technologies under actual orbital conditions. The fully thin-film perovskite-CIGS tandem architecture, for instance, is being assessed for its potential advantages in flexibility and resistance to radiation compared to silicon-based tandem devices.
However, a critical challenge for perovskite solar modules in space is their ability to maintain consistent performance under prolonged radiation exposure and repeated thermal cycling. This mission is expected to generate valuable comparative in-orbit performance data for the three different architectures, providing insights into their durability and effectiveness in the harsh space environment. The duration of the monitoring campaign and the amount of telemetry data expected have not been specified by Yanhe.
.jpg){kind=link}