Idemitsu Kosan and Source Energy Announce Strategic Collaboration to Develop Next-Generation Space Solar Arrays
Tokyo, Japan and Longmont, Colorado – [Date] – Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. (“Idemitsu”), a global leader in energy and advanced materials with a strong legacy in solar innovation, and Source Energy Company (“Source”), a U.S.-based manufacturer of high-performance solar power systems for spacecraft, today announced a strategic collaboration to co-develop and commercialize next-generation solar array products for the rapidly expanding space market.
The partnership will integrate Idemitsu’s proprietary CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) thin-film solar cell technology with Source Energy’s proven solar module and deployable array platforms, aiming to deliver a new class of efficient, lightweight, and scalable power solutions optimized for high-LEO (Low Earth Orbit) and MEO (Medium Earth Orbit) satellite applications.
Addressing a Critical Challenge in the Space Power Supply Chain
As the global space industry experiences unprecedented growth, with thousands of new satellites expected to launch over the coming decade, the need for reliable, high-performance, and cost-effective power generation systems has become a defining challenge. Satellites rely heavily on solar arrays to generate electricity, but the industry currently faces a significant supply bottleneck.
Traditional space solar power systems have long depended on Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) solar cells, known for their high efficiency and durability in radiation-heavy environments. However, GaAs cells come with serious supply chain constraints—including limited material availability, complex manufacturing processes, and growing geopolitical risks tied to critical raw material sourcing. These factors have made it increasingly difficult for satellite manufacturers and operators to secure a stable, affordable, and scalable supply of solar cells.
The collaboration between Idemitsu and Source directly addresses this industry bottleneck by combining Idemitsu’s decades of solar R&D and large-scale production capabilities with Source’s expertise in space-grade solar array integration and manufacturing. The partnership aims to introduce a new, reliable supply line for space power systems that reduces dependence on constrained GaAs materials while maintaining exceptional performance and longevity in orbit.
The Case for CIGS: A Proven Terrestrial Technology Reimagined for Space
Idemitsu Kosan has been a pioneer in solar energy innovation for over three decades, investing heavily in research, development, and commercial production of CIGS thin-film solar technology. The company has produced more than 6 gigawatts (GW) of CIGS-based terrestrial solar panels and accumulated deep expertise in scaling and optimizing thin-film production for both commercial and specialty applications.
CIGS solar cells are composed of lightweight and flexible semiconductor materials that exhibit excellent radiation tolerance, high conversion efficiency, and strong performance stability over time. Unlike traditional crystalline silicon or GaAs cells, CIGS cells can be manufactured on flexible substrates, enabling lighter and more compact designs—a critical factor for space applications where every gram of payload matters.
For satellites operating in high-radiation environments, such as MEO and certain high-altitude LEO orbits, CIGS offers compelling advantages. Its inherent material properties allow it to withstand prolonged radiation exposure while maintaining efficiency, reducing degradation rates, and extending operational lifespan. Additionally, because CIGS-based systems can achieve equivalent power output with smaller array sizes, they enable significant mass and cost savings for satellite developers and operators.
By bringing its advanced thin-film expertise into the space sector, Idemitsu aims to transform how satellite power systems are designed, built, and deployed, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable orbital infrastructure.
Source Energy: Bridging Terrestrial and Space Power Technologies
Source Energy Company, headquartered in Longmont, Colorado, has established itself as a reliable and agile provider of solar power systems for space missions. The company’s product line includes a family of deployable solar modules, panels, and structures designed for a wide range of satellite platforms—from small constellations to large, high-power spacecraft.
Source’s engineering and manufacturing approach leverages techniques and supply chains developed in adjacent terrestrial industries, enabling faster production cycles, lower costs, and improved scalability compared to legacy space suppliers. By collaborating with Idemitsu, Source will expand its product portfolio beyond its established silicon-based arrays to integrate CIGS-based technologies optimized for orbital deployment.
Under this partnership, Source’s Colorado facility will serve as the primary site for the development, qualification, and testing of the new CIGS-enabled solar products. The companies will jointly conduct a comprehensive engineering and validation campaign, including environmental testing, radiation performance assessments, and in-orbit readiness evaluations, to ensure the new arrays meet stringent industry standards for durability and reliability.
Executive Perspectives
Hiroshi Kawaguchi, Head of Innovation Strategy Department at Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., commented:
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. Through this collaboration, we are committed to contributing to sustainable and resilient space development, accelerating solutions to global-scale challenges that can be addressed from orbit.
Philip Keller, Chief Executive Officer at Source Energy Company, added:
Our mission is to be a disruptive supplier that redefines the availability and reliability of space-grade solar arrays. Idemitsu’s advanced CIGS solar cell technology is the perfect complement to Source’s product lineup, enabling us to expand our offerings and serve our growing list of flight customers. Together, we are combining the strengths of Japanese and U.S. innovation to create a more robust and sustainable future for satellite power systems.
A Shared Vision for the Future of Space Energy
The collaboration between Idemitsu and Source represents a fusion of deep material science expertise and agile space engineering, with the goal of establishing a new standard in orbital power generation. As satellite networks continue to proliferate—powering communication, navigation, Earth observation, and scientific exploration—energy systems must evolve to meet rising performance and sustainability demands.
By bringing a scalable, radiation-hardened, and cost-effective alternative to the market, the two companies are positioning themselves at the forefront of the next generation of space power technology, enabling a more secure and diversified supply chain for the global space ecosystem.
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