b'16 Partner News Winter 2022EnterpriseAway from solar powered aircraft, MicroLink is also looking towards the space market. Here, weight is a critical factor, with launch costs on the order of 3,000 per kg of payload. Its estimated that the weight loss of the ELO process could represent savings of 130,000 for every kilowatt of solar power launched into space.The weight savings come not only from the cells themselves, but also from the otherwise solid framework that is required to hold the brittle standard cells. The flexible nature of the MicroLink cells makes them more robust during transit, launch and handling. In 2021, MicroLink Devices UK was formed in South Wales in response to growing demand for European solar cells. With no current UK based space solar cell manufacturers, MicroLink is well positioned to take advantage of significant interest from the industry.From WalesThe company is part of CS Connected, the worlds first compound semiconductor cluster and is a partner in a number of research projects including UK Research and Innovations flagship Strength In Places Fund.and beyondAnd beyondFor MicroLink Devices UK CEO, Julie Fazackerley, the establishment of a European base comes at the perfect time, given the potential growth in both the aerospace and space markets. We are starting to see a significant increase in By MicroLink Devices UK demand for a European solar cell aimed at applications for which the MicroLink solar cell is an ideal fit. Being a small company gives us the flexibility to respond to these demands, and in South Wales we have In August 2022, the Airbus high altitudeEpitaxial lift-off (ELO) removes the thinan excellent location, enabling us to take pseudo satellite (HAPS) stratosphericmaterial layers of the solar cell from theadvantage of the technical expertise in the unmanned aerial system (UAS), Zephyr,rigid substrate on which they were initiallyarea.shattered its own world record forformed. The ability to reuse the substrate persistent flight by spending over tworeduces the overall cost, but the mainWithin the last few months, a transfer months at altitudes up to 70,000ft. Thisattraction for applications is a solar cell withof the fabrication process from the USA demonstration is a game changer in terms ofa power-to-weight ratio five times greaterhas begun, with our first Made In Wales the capabilities it offers and the persistencethan conventional germanium-based multi- solar cells fabricated using facilities at it can provide. junction cells. Swansea University.This demonstration of feasibility is simply the first step for a Power for the aircraft is provided byTo infinitycompany offering a vital power source into compound semiconductor multi-junctionFor Zephyr, the reduction in weight from themultiple growing markets. solar cells spread across its wings. Unlikesolar cells enables multi-month perpetual standard solar panels, those poweringflight in the stratosphere and increases theAs self-powering aircraft prove themselves Zephyr are extremely lightweight andmaximum payload of the aircraft, while thein the field, and the power demand from flexible, thanks to a processing technologyflexible nature of the cells means that theysatellites increases relentlessly, not developed by MicroLink Devices Inc., basedcan be easily shaped over the contours ofeven the sky is a limit for this innovative in Chicago, USA. the wings. technology.'