SunDrive targets space applications with copper solar cell tech
SunDrive Solar and Space Machines Company will jointly develop lightweight, copper-based solar panels for spacecraft, aiming to reduce reliance on imported space-grade arrays.
Australian solar innovator SunDrive Solar, spun out of the University of New South Wales, is collaborating with Space Machines Company (SMC) to adapt its copper-based heterojunction solar cell technology for space applications. SunDrive’s proprietary copper electroplating replaces silver in cell metallisation, reducing costs while maintaining high efficiency. The company’s ultra-thin and lightweight cells are designed to meet the strict mass and performance demands of orbital environments.
SMC, an Australian company focused on sovereign space transportation, will integrate SunDrive’s cells into a body-mounted solar panel for its Optimus Viper spacecraft, a 200 kg vehicle intended for autonomous operations in Low Earth Orbit. SunDrive will oversee cell selection, module design, and electrical testing, while SMC handles structural, thermal, and assembly tasks. The partnership aims to produce engineering data for a flight-ready solar array through environmental testing.
The collaboration addresses a critical gap in Australia’s space sector, where satellite programs currently depend on imported space-grade solar arrays. SMC’s CEO highlighted the commercial and strategic rationale, noting that partnerships like this strengthen Australia’s supply chain resilience amid global competition. The project seeks to demonstrate the viability of locally developed solar technology for commercial spacecraft.
SunDrive’s CEO emphasised the growing demand for high-performance, lightweight, and scalable power systems in the expanding global space economy. Both companies aim to retain more of the space technology value chain within Australia, positioning the country to lead in critical space technologies rather than merely participating as a supplier.