Flexell Space Books Two Falcon 9 Slots for Solar Cell Tests

The Korean startup and Singapore's Satoro will fly CIGS and perovskite cells in 2027 and 2028 to build the in-orbit data trail commercial buyers demand.

By The space-quantum Desk

Flexell Space and Singapore-based Satoro have signed an agreement to fly next-generation space solar cells on two CubeSat missions launching aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets in 2027 and 2028. [1]

Flexell Space, a space energy company that originated as an internal venture at Hanwha Systems, develops low-cost, large-area, ultralight solar cells based on CIGS and perovskite technologies. [1] The company previously ran two demonstration missions via Korea's KSLV-II, in November 2025 and October 2026, but the Satoro partnership opens its first Falcon 9 slots. [1]

Under the deal, Satoro will manufacture the satellites while Flexell Space supplies the solar cells and test modules. [1] Data from both missions will be used to compare ground-test results against in-orbit performance and assess power output changes over time — the technical evidence global customers require before committing to commercial supply. [1]

Satoro brings a specific track record to the pairing: since 2021 the company has deployed 11 satellites across eight launches, claiming a 100% launch success rate. [1]

Space power is a quiet bottleneck for the satellite industry — operators need cells that are light enough to matter and proven enough to trust. Two sequential in-orbit runs give both companies a durable data set rather than a single snapshot.

If the 2027 mission validates Flexell's cell performance in orbit, the 2028 follow-up is positioned to stress-test durability and long-term reliability — the two proof points that tend to move procurement decisions at satellite manufacturers. [1]