Perovskite and Organic Solar Cells on a Rocket Flight

Perovskite and organic solar cells possess a revolutionary potential for space applications. The thin-film solar cells can be processed onto thin polymer foils that enable an exceptional specific power, i.e., obtainable electric power per mass, being superior to their inorganic counterparts. However, research toward space applications was mainly restricted to terrestrial conditions so far. Here, we report the launch of perovskite and organic solar cells of different architectures on a suborbital rocket flight. This is an in situ demonstration of their functionality and power generation under space conditions. We measured solar cell current-voltage characteristics in variable illumination states due to different rocket orientations during flight. Under strong solar irradiance, the solar cells perform efficiently, and they even produce power with weak diffuse light reflected from Earth's surface. These results highlight both the suitability for near-Earth applications as well as the potential for deep-space missions for these innovative technologies. The emerging technologies of perovskite and organic solar cells have attracted plenty of attention recently. For the application as space solar cells, they can be processed on ultra-thin plastic foils that qualify them as extremely light-weight and flexible candidates for the future generation of solar panels. Applied in space crafts or satellites, such panels would save propellant and create novel possibilities for space missions. However, not much information about their behavior in space environment has been documented so far. Here, we report on an experiment with perovskite and organic solar cells on board of a short rocket flight, reaching satellite altitudes for the first time. The electrical characterization during flight demonstrated that the solar cells matched their performance expectations, highlighting their potential for the application in space. This step into space is an entry for future long-term space experiments of these revolutionary technologies. We report on an experiment with perovskite and organic solar cells on board of a rocket flight, reaching satellite altitudes for the first time. The electrical characterization during flight demonstrated in situ their functionality and power generation under space conditions. Perovskite and organic solar cells exceeded power densities of 14 and 7 mW cm⁻², respectively, highlighting their potential for an application in space.