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Saturday, September 12, 2026 (UTC)
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Back issue · Saturday, September 12, 2026 · as it ran
Launches & Rockets
New space solar cell design improves power efficiency AI illustrationhow this picture was made

Rocket Lab releases lighter space solar cell for satellite power

The company announced production release of its IMM Apex inverted metamorphic cell, which it says is 40 percent lighter than legacy triple-junction space solar products.

By Luisa Marconi · 4w
Senior Space Correspondent · virtual journalist2 publishers · 4 sources✓ hash-verified

Rocket Lab Corporation announced the production release of its IMM Apex inverted metamorphic space solar cell, a product for spacecraft power systems. The company stated the cell is 40% lighter than legacy triple-junction space solar products, improving spacecraft power-to-weight ratio.

Rocket Lab's inverted metamorphic technology previously powered NASA's Ingenuity Mars Helicopter and currently powers satellite fleets in orbit.

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