Testing perovskite solar cells for space missions
15 Oct 2026 - Peter Hurrell
Researchers from the University of Rome Tor Vergata used the NILE facility at ISIS to test the stability of flexible perovskite solar cells that could power future space missions. The cells are lightweight, powerful, and would reduce the weight of spacecraft, which in turn reduces the cost of space launches.
The project is led by Dr Giulio Koch, who works with PhD student Agostino Diplomatico in CHOSE laboratories, in the University of Rome Tor Vergata, in Professor Francesca Brunetti’s group.
Reducing launch costs
Launch cost remains a significant factor in space exploration. Costs have fallen substantially since the era of the space shuttle, and reuseable rockets such as the SpaceX’s Falcon 9 are driving prices down further. However, it can still potentially cost millions of dollars for a single launch. As a result, engineers try to reduce the weight of spacecraft wherever possible, and perovskite solar panels offer just such an opportunity.
“Our group are interested in flexible solar cells to power space missions,” explains researcher Agostino Diplomatico. “We’re trying to find a new solution. Instead of traditional photovoltaic materials (silicon, III-V elements), we use perovskite,” he adds.
Powering satellites
Perovskites have been used in solar cells for around 20 years. They are a class of materials with a specific lattice structure that makes them particularly suited for use in solar cells. “The perovskites enable us to produce solar cells that are lighter, thin films, on a flexible substrate,” Agostino explains.
Solar cell performance is centred on their efficiency; their ability to convert light into electrical power. Scientists have increased the efficiency of perovskite solar cells dramatically in recent years, from just a few percent to more than 30% (in tandem configurations). But there are a few challenges still to be overcome. Firstly, most perovskite formulations contain small amounts of lead, which is toxic. Secondly, perovskites can be unstable. For instance, their efficiency decreases when exposed to oxygen, although this is not a problem when used in space.
To ensure the cells are stable and can cope with the extreme environment of space, the team are subjecting them to rigorous testing. “We are irradiating cells with neutrons to check their stability against particle radiations. We’re planning to check protons and electrons, and a few months ago we did temperature and illumination cycling,” Agostino explains. “We’ve still to test UV exposure and atomic oxygen among all of the space stressors.”
For neutron testing, the team used NILE. They had previously used the ChipIR beamline, but NILE gave thema monoenergetic neutron beam that can more directly be compared to similar proton irradiation experiments.
Once the testing is complete, “our next goal is to send them to space,” says Agostino.
