RCT Group Enters Space Solar With New Subsidiary

RCT Space aims to adapt crystalline silicon solar cells for LEO missions, with commercial deployment planned from 2027

RCT Space is the newly established space solar subsidiary of RCT Group, headquartered in Konstanz, Germany.(Photo Credit: RCT Space)

Published on:

Jun 23, 2026, 11:38 am

Key Takeaways

RCT Group has established RCT Space GmbH to develop crystalline silicon solar cells and modules for space applications
The company plans to target LEO missions with silicon-based alternatives to conventional space PV technologies
RCT Space expects its first commercial deliveries after completing ECSS qualification, targeted for 2027

RCT Group has announced the launch of RCT Space GmbH, a new subsidiary focused on developing crystalline silicon solar cells and modules for satellite applications. Based in Konstanz, Germany, RCT Space combines terrestrial photovoltaic manufacturing with experience in satellite power systems and space qualification processes.

The company enters the market as demand for satellite power systems continues to grow, driven by expanding low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations, national space programs, and commercial space activities. According to RCT Space, current space-qualified solar cell supply chains remain limited in scale and are largely based on specialized technologies and qualification processes.

RCT Space plans to adapt crystalline silicon solar technology, widely used in terrestrial PV manufacturing, for space applications. The company says its approach combines industrial-scale manufacturing with technologies developed to address the radiation environment encountered in orbit.

Initially, the company will focus on LEO satellite applications. It believes these missions require solar cells that can be manufactured at higher volumes, qualified efficiently, and supplied with shorter lead times than traditional space solar technologies.

Wolfgang Jooss, CTO of RCT Space, stated that the company is developing its technology around a patented in-flight radiation annealing concept designed to improve the viability of crystalline silicon cells for space missions. According to the company, laboratory validation has been completed, and the technology is expected to undergo qualification in accordance with European Cooperation for Space Standardization (ECSS) requirements within the next 18 months.

Peter Fath, Chairman of RCT Space, said the company expects increasing demand for scalable and secure solar cell supply chains as satellite constellations continue to expand.

RCT Space expects to complete ECSS qualification in 2027, after which it plans to begin commercial deliveries to European and international satellite operators.

Space Solar