Idemitsu Kosan and Source Energy Company Forge Strategic Collaboration to Develop Next-Generation Solar Array Products for the Space Market
Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. (“Idemitsu”), a renowned Japanese energy and advanced materials company with deep expertise in solar technology, and Source Energy Company (“Source”), a rising U.S.-based supplier of high-performance space-grade solar products, have announced a strategic collaboration to co-develop and deliver next-generation solar energy systems tailored for satellites and spacecraft operating in high Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) markets.
This collaboration represents a significant step toward redefining the power landscape in space by combining Idemitsu’s long-standing excellence in Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) thin-film solar technology with Source Energy’s proven capabilities in manufacturing, integration, and delivery of reliable, deployable solar modules for spacecraft. Together, the two companies aim to strengthen the supply chain for high-efficiency solar power systems in the rapidly expanding satellite industry.
Tackling a Critical Space Power Challenge
As the global space industry experiences rapid expansion—driven by the surge in satellite constellations, Earth observation systems, and communications networks—there has been an increasing strain on the availability of space-grade solar cells. Reliable solar power is essential to operate satellites, yet the industry faces a pressing bottleneck: the limited and geopolitically sensitive supply of Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) solar cells, which have traditionally dominated the market.
Global demand for GaAs cells has outpaced production, while geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions have further constrained availability. This has underscored the urgent need for alternative solar technologies that are scalable, cost-efficient, and resilient in harsh space environments.
The Idemitsu–Source partnership directly addresses this challenge by integrating Idemitsu’s mature thin-film CIGS solar cell technology with Source Energy’s flexible, high-performance solar array systems. The result will be a new generation of power solutions designed to support the increasing complexity and scale of modern satellite missions.
The Advantages of CIGS Technology in Space Applications
Idemitsu Kosan’s CIGS solar cells are the result of over three decades of advanced R&D and production experience. The company has already achieved more than 6 gigawatts (GW) of terrestrial CIGS panel manufacturing, demonstrating both scalability and performance reliability. The thin-film nature of CIGS cells offers several compelling advantages for space missions:
- High Radiation Resistance: CIGS cells maintain strong performance even under prolonged exposure to space radiation, making them ideal for high-radiation orbits such as MEO.
- Lightweight and Flexible Design: Their thin-film construction contributes to lower overall mass—an essential factor in reducing satellite launch costs and improving payload efficiency.
- Long-Term Durability: CIGS technology exhibits minimal degradation over time, allowing for smaller and more efficient solar arrays that can meet mission energy demands without excess structural weight.
- Scalability and Secure Supply Chain: Unlike GaAs-based cells that rely on rare materials and limited manufacturing sources, CIGS cells can be produced at scale using more abundant materials, improving long-term supply stability.
These features position Idemitsu’s CIGS solar cells as a highly promising solution for next-generation space power systems—offering enhanced reliability, extended satellite lifetimes, and reduced costs for satellite operators.
Source Energy’s Role: Bringing Space-Grade Systems to Market
Source Energy has built a strong reputation for delivering dependable solar modules and deployable array systems designed for satellites and spacecraft. The company leverages manufacturing processes and materials from adjacent terrestrial industries, enabling faster innovation cycles and more cost-effective production.
Through this collaboration, Source Energy will integrate Idemitsu’s CIGS solar technology into its existing portfolio, expanding beyond its current silicon-based lineup. The new CIGS-based modules will undergo a comprehensive development and qualification program at Source’s facility in Longmont, Colorado. Rigorous testing will ensure performance consistency, radiation resilience, and structural integrity before the technology is introduced for commercial deployment in space missions.
This partnership also aligns with Source Energy’s mission to enhance the accessibility and reliability of space-grade power systems. By combining Source’s integration expertise with Idemitsu’s proven solar cell technology, the companies aim to bridge the gap between terrestrial solar innovation and space-ready applications.
Executive Insights: A Shared Vision for the Future of Space Energy
Hiroshi Kawaguchi, Head of the Innovation Strategy Department at Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., emphasized the strategic and societal significance of the collaboration:
“We are honored to take this step toward the future with an incredible partner, Source Energy, a company that continues to innovate in the space industry. We believe our technology is not merely a component, but a keystone to making space more accessible across a wide range of applications—from LEO constellations to high-radiation missions—accelerating solutions to global-scale challenges that can be addressed from orbit. Through this collaboration, we are committed to contributing to sustainable and resilient space development.”
Philip Keller, Chief Executive Officer at Source Energy Company, echoed this vision and highlighted how the partnership strengthens the company’s position as a disruptive force in the space power sector:
“Our mission is to be a disruptive supplier that redefines availability and reliability of space-grade solar arrays. Idemitsu’s advanced CIGS solar cell is the perfect technology to help Source expand our existing product offerings and better serve our growing list of flight customers. We look forward to fusing Japanese and U.S. technology to create solutions that fill the growing demand for reliable satellite power systems.”
A New Era of Collaboration Between Energy and Space Industries
The partnership between Idemitsu and Source Energy reflects a broader trend of convergence between the terrestrial renewable energy sector and the rapidly evolving space economy. As the number of satellites in orbit is expected to surpass 100,000 in the coming decade, the demand for efficient, reliable, and scalable energy systems has never been higher.
By adapting proven Earth-based solar technologies for space, the collaboration showcases how cross-industry innovation can address both technical and supply-chain challenges. It also represents a model for sustainable growth in space infrastructure—where long-term mission performance, material security, and environmental considerations increasingly shape design decisions.
Both companies are positioning themselves to support the next generation of satellite operators, defense programs, and commercial space enterprises. Whether for global broadband constellations, Earth observation platforms, or deep-space exploration missions, the Idemitsu–Source partnership offers a compelling blueprint for the future of space energy technology.
As global attention turns toward achieving sustainable and autonomous operations in orbit, this alliance signals a transformative milestone—one that bridges two innovation ecosystems to deliver a new class of space-grade solar arrays built on performance, security, and collaboration.
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