EMCORE signs solar-cell assembly contract with Indian Space Research Organisation

EMCORE, a leading provider of compound semiconductor-based components and subsystems for the fiber optic and solar power markets, announced today that it has entered into a supply contract with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to manufacture, test, and deliver high-efficiency multi-junction solar cell assemblies for ISRO's commercial geostationary telecommunications and scientific earth observation satellite missions. Over the past four decades, ISRO has launched more than 65 satellites for various commercial and scientific applications. EMCORE has been a key supplier of solar cell products to ISRO for the past 15 years, including supplying solar equipment to power several INSAT telecommunications missions. Over the term of this new multi-year contract, EMCORE expects to deliver Coverglass Interconnected Cells (CICs) incorporating its highest-efficiency ZTJ and ATJ solar cells for multiple satellite missions. With a conversion efficiency nearing 30%, the ZTJ solar cell is one of the highest performance multi-junction solar cells available on the market today. EMCORE's CICs employ the most advanced interconnect welding techniques in the industry and offer the highest reliability under severe space radiation environments and thermal stress conditions. "This contract is a very significant award for EMCORE. It further reinforces our successful heritage in the Asia-Pacific satellite market, and expands our market share for both commercial and scientific missions," said Dr. Brad Clevenger, General Manager of EMCORE's Photovoltaics Division. "EMCORE has partnered with ISRO on many successful satellite missions, and we greatly value our long-standing business relationship. We look forward to supporting ISRO on its next phase of telecommunications and earth observation satellites." EMCORE Indian Space Research Organization