According to EnergyTrend, JA’s self developed and packaged p HJT photovoltaic products were launched aboard the Kuaizhou 11 carrier rocket at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on September 17 and successfully entered the predetermined orbit.
This test marks JA’s first in orbit space verification of p HJT products targeting large scale commercial applications.
Against the backdrop of the growing commercial aerospace industry and advancing space economy, solar power serves as the primary energy solution for satellite systems. Under such circumstances, the industry keeps exploring cost effective space photovoltaic technology routes to meet development demands for various space scenarios including low Earth orbit constellations.
Ouyang Zi, Chief Technology Officer of JA, stated that after years of mass scale production and multi scenario application validation, the performance and long term stability of JA’s terrestrial PV products have been fully proven by the market. This in orbit space test extends mature terrestrial crystalline silver PV technologies to space environments and represents a key step for JA to tap into future space energy.
Based on on orbit real world measurements, the project will investigate the reliability and degradation characteristics of p HJT cells in low Earth orbit environments and explore the feasibility of developing cost competitive space energy solutions via crystalline silicon technologies. Space energy technology verification entails a long cycle and requires continuous testing.
JA noted that after the satellite enters orbit, its p HJT modules will be directly exposed to the space environment and subjected to extreme conditions such as intense radiation, high energy particle impacts, and drastic temperature swings. By continuously comparing ground simulated data with in orbit empirical data, JA will systematically assess the long term reliability and degradation performance of p HJT products for low Earth orbit scenarios.
Should the in orbit demonstration achieve preset objectives, mature crystalline silicon industrial chains will be accelerated to gradually replace gallium arsenide in low orbit scenarios, lowering costs for satellite power systems and supporting the industrial ecosystem of low Earth orbit constellations covering satellite internet, remote sensing observation, space communication and space computing.
JA stated that building on this demonstration, it will continuously optimize module R&D and manufacturing technologies, advance the technical maturity of space PV products, and deliver more competitive large scale energy solutions for commercial aerospace and space exploration.
It should be noted that space photovoltaic technology overall remains in the exploratory and verification phase. Large scale industrial implementation has not yet been realized, and material uncertainties persist regarding its commercial prospects.
JA added that it has not secured any space photovoltaic related orders to date, and this business segment makes no material contribution to the company’s current operating performance.
Source：EnergyTrend