 high resolution image available here |
| HIGH-EFFICIENCY SOLAR ARRAYS -- Spectrolab, Inc., of Sylmar, CA, is leading the industry in the production
of increasingly more efficient solar cells used in satellite solar arrays. Pictured here is a 51-foot, four-panel solar
array, produced by Spectrolab for Hughes Space and Communications Company. The solar array contains dual-junction,
gallium arsenide solar cells and was installed on a 15,000-watt Hughes 702 satellite, Galaxy XI, the first in the Hughes 702
series, launched on Dec. 21, 1999. The solar cells, first flown in 1997, have the ability to convert nearly 22 percent of
the sun's rays into electrical power. In 1999, Spectrolab announced the completion of multi-junction solar cells, which
will achieve a conversion rate of nearly 27 percent. Solar cells capable of converting up to 40 percent are under development
now and should be ready for flight in 2002. Spectrolab is a leading supplier of solar cells, solar panels, searchlights,
and solar simulators. The company, founded in 1956, has been supplying solar array panels to the space industry for 40
years. Hughes Electronics acquired Spectrolab in 1975. |
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SPECTROLAB, INCORPORATED 12500 Gladstone Avenue Sylmar, CA 91342-5373 Media Contact: Diana Ball (310) 662-7473 / (310) 364-6363 diana.ball@hsc.com Marketing Contact: Mike Kalachian (818) 898-7540 mkalachian@spectrolab.com |
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