TecStar's advanced multi-junction Cascade solar cells are powering NASA's first New Millennium spacecraft, Deep Space 1 (DS1). The 23 percent Cascade solar cells are the first triple junction solar cells flying in space, and provide a significant power advantage over other technologies.
TecStar's advanced multijunction solar cells were developed with the NASA Lewis Research Center and the U.S.A.F. ManTech. The cells were purchased by AEC-Able Engineering Company for their Scarlet II concentrator array, which was funded by the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization.
On-orbit telemetry data indicates that the solar cells are providing more power than predicted. The DS1 flight marks the first spacecraft powered entirely by triple junction solar cells, after several successful flight demonstrations, including NASA's TRACE satellite and the recently launched U.S.A.F. Mightysat 1 satellite.
TecStar is proud to be a part of NASA's DS1 program and its mission to accelerate the infusion of advanced technologies into the space programs of the 21st century. The company's recent advances in triple junction cell technology demonstrate our commitment to NASA's goal. Current high rate production for all programs continues in the 23 to 24 percent range.
TecStar Inc. was founded in 1954 as the country's first supplier of space solar cells. Today, the privately held company employs 800 people with sales of $121 million.
The company has supporter over 500 satellites involving programs such as GPS, Iridium, Landsat, Orbcomm, and the Mars-Pathfinder.
