Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-09-02 Origin: Site
What Spectrolab TASC Scrap Solar Cells — and What Small Satellite Teams Should Know
If you have spent any time sourcing components for a small satellite project, you have likely encountered mention of Spectrolab's Triangular Advanced Solar Cells — better known as TASC cells. You may also have noticed that these cells frequently appear in the "scrap," "surplus," or "leftover" bins of the space component market. Understanding why these cells exist in this peculiar state — and what they can and cannot do for your mission — is essential for any small satellite team working within tight budget and volume constraints.
What Are TASC Cells?
Spectrolab TASC cells are monolithic, triple-junction gallium arsenide (GaAs) solar cells grown on a germanium substrate. They are similar in design to Spectrolab's more famous UTJ (Ultra Triple Junction) cells, but with one critical difference: shape. While conventional space solar cells are rectangular, TASC cells are triangular. Two cells can be arranged within an approximate rectangular area of 0.611 x 1.254 inches (1.55 x 3.18 cm). Each cell delivers approximately 2.5V at 31mA, with an efficiency of about 27%.
