– Two demonstration missions planned aboard SpaceX Falcon 9, one each in 2027 and 2028
– Satoro to provide “Satellite-as-a-service” solution; Flexell Space to supply solar cells and test modules
Uiwang-si, Korea – Flexell Space, a space energy company led by CEO Taehun Ahn, announced that it has signed an agreement with Singapore-based CubeSat specialist Satoro, led by CEO Mark Lu, for the in-orbit demonstration and validation (IOD/IOV) of next-generation space solar cells.
The agreement aims to verify the performance and reliability of Flexell Space’s solar cells in the actual space environment. The companies plan to conduct two demonstration missions, one in 2027 and another in 2028. Each demonstration satellite is scheduled to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
Flexell Space previously conducted two space demonstration missions through launches aboard Korea’s KSLV-II, in November 2025 and October 2026. Building on this experience, the agreement with Satoro will expand opportunities for in-orbit validation of its next-generation space solar cells and support the continued accumulation of operational data needed for commercialization.
Under the agreement, Satoro will manufacture the satellites for the demonstration missions, while Flexell Space will supply the solar cells and test modules to be integrated into them. The companies will coordinate technical requirements for the CubeSat platforms and demonstration payloads, working together to evaluate the solar cells’ operating characteristics and performance in orbit.
Through these missions, Flexell Space plans to compare and validate ground-test results against in-orbit operational data and assess the solar cells’ power output characteristics and performance changes over time. Data collected from both missions will support further design improvements and reliability validation, strengthening the technical foundation for evaluations by global customers and future commercial supply.
The collaboration brings together Satoro’s expertise in CubeSat manufacturing and demonstration missions with Flexell Space’s capabilities in next-generation solar cell development. Flexell Space is developing solar cell technologies based on CIGS (copper indium gallium selenide) and perovskites, with a focus on commercializing low-cost, large-area, ultralight power solutions for satellites and a wide range of space infrastructure.
“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.”
He added, “Our collaboration with Satoro establishes a clear path from development to in-orbit demonstration and will accelerate our preparations for future commercial supply.”
“We are pleased to work with Flexell Space on the demonstration of its next-generation space solar cells,” said Mark Lu, CEO of Satoro. “Drawing on Satoro’s CubeSat platforms and mission integration capabilities, we will work closely with Flexell Space to help secure the in-orbit data needed to validate its technology.”
He added, “We look forward to these two demonstration missions advancing the commercial potential of new space power technologies and laying the groundwork for continued technical collaboration between our companies.”
About Flexell Space
Flexell Space is a space energy company that originated as an internal venture at Hanwha Systems and develops next-generation space solar cells and power solutions. The company focuses on low-cost, large-area, ultralight products based on CIGS and perovskite solar cell technologies, with an emphasis on the durability, radiation tolerance, and long-term operational reliability required for space applications. Through collaboration with global satellite manufacturers and space agencies, Flexell Space is advancing the commercialization of solar cell technologies for satellites and space infrastructure.
About Satoro
Satoro is a Singapore-based “Satellite-as-a-service” solutions company providing integrated services spanning satellite manufacturing, payload integration, launch coordination, and in-orbit operations, demonstration, and validation (IOD/IOV). Since 2021, the company has successfully deployed 11 satellites into orbit across eight launches, achieving a 100% launch success rate. Drawing on this experience and technical expertise, Satoro supports global customers in validating and commercializing their space technologies.
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