Flexell Space and Satoro have agreed to conduct two in-orbit demonstration missions of next-generation space solar cells, scheduled for 2027 and 2028. Both satellites will launch aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets.
Satoro, a Singapore-based CubeSat manufacturer, will build the demonstration satellites and provide "Satellite-as-a-service" support. Flexell Space, a South Korean space energy company, will supply the solar cells and test modules. The missions aim to verify the performance and reliability of Flexell Space's solar cells in orbit.
Flexell Space previously conducted two demonstration missions using Korea's KSLV-II rocket, in November 2025 and October 2026. The Satoro partnership expands opportunities for validation and will generate operational data needed for commercialization.
During the two missions, Flexell Space plans to compare ground-test results against in-orbit data and assess the solar cells' power output and performance changes over time. The company develops solar cell technologies based on CIGS (copper indium gallium selenide) and perovskites.
"Commercializing space solar cells requires both ground-based performance validation and data collected in orbit," said Taehun Ahn, CEO of Flexell Space. "With two demonstration opportunities secured for 2027 and 2028, we will systematically verify the performance and reliability of our next-generation solar cells and build the technical evidence required by global customers."
Satoro has deployed 11 satellites into orbit across eight launches since 2021, with a 100% launch success rate.