5N Plus and Sierra Space to energize space solar power market
by CM Staff
Under the terms of the agreement, AZUR will produce a new solar cell, referred to as the MWT, exclusively for Sierra Space.
MONTREAL — 5N Plus Inc. has signed an exclusive agreement with Sierra Space through its subsidiary AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbH, effectively extending their arrangement to supply the space solar power market with solar cells for another 10 years.
AZUR manufactures high-efficiency solar space cells and has operated in the business of developing specialty semiconductor materials for the global space industry for more than 50 years. 5N Plus acquired the company back in 2021.
Under the terms of the agreement, AZUR will produce a new solar cell, referred to as the MWT, exclusively for Sierra Space for use in the production of Sierra Space’s unique and patented Space Solar Surface Mount Technology solar array systems. This solar cell technology is developed in partnership by both companies and enables automated production and assembly.
The MWT solar cells also enable arrays with higher power density, reducing the size of the arrays for equivalent power of a conventional design, and are more cost-effective when completing the laydown to satellite solar power arrays. The automation enables Sierra Space to deliver solar power arrays with less than one-half the conventional array lead times.
“AZUR continues to expand its global client base as the partner of choice in high-end solar cell technology, further reinforcing 5N Plus’ leadership as a trusted partner for the supply of critical specialty semiconductor materials for sectors powering the future both on Earth and in space,” said Gervais Jacques, president and CEO of 5N Plus in a statement.
