UIWANG-SI, Korea — In a significant step forward for space power technology, Korean space energy company Flexell Space has officially entered into a strategic partnership with Singapore-based CubeSat specialist Satoro. The newly signed agreement outlines a comprehensive plan for the in-orbit demonstration and validation (IOD/IOV) of advanced, next-generation space solar cells developed by Flexell Space, paving the way for broader commercialization and enhanced global market readiness.
Under the terms of the newly established agreement, the collaboration will be highlighted by two separate demonstration missions scheduled to take place aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets. The first of these dedicated validation flights is slated for 2027, with the second mission following closely behind in 2028. These upcoming launches are designed to rigorously test and verify the performance, durability, and overall operational reliability of Flexell Space’s proprietary solar cell technology directly within the harsh, demanding environment of outer space.
The partnership brings together two specialized entities within the rapidly expanding global New Space economy. Flexell Space, led by Chief Executive Officer Taehun Ahn, specializes in cutting-edge space energy solutions and originates from an internal venture initiative launched by Hanwha Systems. On the other side of the partnership is Satoro, a Singapore-headquartered "Satellite-as-a-service" solutions provider led by CEO Mark Lu, renowned for its turnkey capabilities encompassing everything from custom satellite manufacturing and payload integration to launch coordination and end-to-end in-orbit operations.
Building on Proven Flight Heritage
For Flexell Space, these upcoming missions with Satoro represent a natural continuation of an aggressive and systematic flight-testing roadmap. The company has already accumulated valuable space-flight heritage through two previous demonstration missions that successfully launched aboard South Korea’s indigenous KSLV-II launch vehicle in November 2025 and October 2026, respectively.
By securing additional flight opportunities for 2027 and 2028 through the partnership with Satoro, Flexell Space aims to significantly expand its in-orbit validation pipeline. The accumulation of robust, real-world operational data is widely considered a critical prerequisite for space technology commercialization, allowing developers to fine-tune their products and provide prospective global customers with empirical proof of performance.
The operational division of labor between the two partner companies has been clearly defined to ensure maximum mission efficiency. Satoro will take charge of manufacturing the specialized CubeSat platforms that will serve as the host spacecraft for the demonstration payloads. Meanwhile, Flexell Space will supply the advanced solar cells and specialized test modules that must be seamlessly integrated into the satellite architecture. Engineering teams from both organizations will work in close coordination to harmonize technical requirements, evaluate structural interfaces, and ensure the optimal testing of the solar cells’ power-generation characteristics once the spacecraft reach orbit.
Validating Advanced Materials in Orbit
Once deployed into space, the demonstration missions will allow Flexell Space researchers to directly compare comprehensive ground-test measurements against actual in-orbit operational data. The evaluation process will focus heavily on assessing the power output characteristics of the solar cells, monitoring performance fluctuations over extended periods, and observing how the materials react to thermal cycling, solar radiation, and other environmental factors native to low Earth orbit and beyond.
The insights gathered from both the 2027 and 2028 missions will directly inform future design iterations, refine reliability metrics, and strengthen the technical foundation necessary to satisfy rigorous procurement criteria established by international satellite manufacturers and commercial operators.
At the heart of Flexell Space’s technological portfolio are next-generation solar cell architectures grounded in CIGS (copper indium gallium selenide) and perovskite materials. Traditional space solar cells, while highly efficient, often involve complex manufacturing processes and significant weight penalties. Flexell Space’s research and development efforts are squarely focused on overcoming these traditional limitations by delivering low-cost, large-area, and ultralight power solutions. These advanced power systems are engineered specifically to meet the stringent durability, radiation tolerance, and long-term reliability demands of modern satellites, constellations, and diverse space infrastructure applications.
Executive Perspectives on the Partnership
Leadership from both companies expressed strong optimism regarding the long-term potential of the collaboration and its implications for the broader commercial space sector.
“Commercializing space solar cells requires both rigorous ground-based performance validation and extensive data collected directly 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.”
Ahn further emphasized the strategic value of the alliance, noting that the partnership with Satoro establishes a streamlined, predictable pathway from laboratory development to active in-orbit demonstration, which will ultimately accelerate the company’s preparations for large-scale commercial supply.
Mark Lu, CEO of Satoro, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the complementary strengths of the two organizations. “We are pleased to work with Flexell Space on the demonstration of its next-generation space solar cells,” Lu stated. “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.”
Lu added that the upcoming joint missions are expected to significantly advance the commercial viability of innovative space power technologies while laying a strong foundation for continued technical cooperation between the two companies in the years ahead.
Company Profiles
Flexell Space operates as a dedicated space energy enterprise originating from Hanwha Systems’ internal incubator program. The company concentrates its engineering and manufacturing efforts on low-cost, large-area, and ultralight power products utilizing CIGS and perovskite technologies. By prioritizing durability, radiation resilience, and long-term in-orbit reliability, Flexell Space continues to collaborate closely with international space agencies and commercial satellite developers to advance next-generation power generation in orbit.
Satoro is a Singapore-based provider of comprehensive "Satellite-as-a-service" solutions. The company delivers integrated capabilities spanning satellite manufacturing, payload integration, launch procurement, and managed in-orbit operations, demonstration, and validation services. Since entering the commercial market in 2021, Satoro has successfully deployed 11 satellites across eight distinct orbital launches, maintaining a flawless 100% launch success rate. Leveraging this extensive operational track record, the company continues to assist global aerospace and technology enterprises in validating and commercializing their space-bound innovations.
