[Satellite TODAY 09-21-09] Northrop Grumman signed a $17 million long-term supply agreement with Emcore, provider of compound semiconductor-based components, subsystems and systems for the fiber optic and solar power markets, to manufacture and deliver high-efficiency, multi-junction solar cells for Northrop Grumman’s satellite programs, Emcore announced Sept. 18.
    Emcore’s solar cells, which are promoted to have beginning-of-life conversion efficiency of 30 percent and include an option for an onboard monolithic bypass diode, will provide power for Northrop Grumman’s space-based global climate monitoring capabilities and other satellite missions from 2009 through 2012.
    The production of the solar cells will take place at Emcore’s manufacturing facilities in Albuquerque, N.M.

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