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MONTREAL, Oct. 16, 2024 /CNW/ - 5N Plus Inc. (TSX: VNP) ("5N+" or the "Company"), a leading global producer of specialty semiconductors and performance materials, is proud to announce that solar cells produced by its wholly-owned subsidiary, AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbH ("AZUR"), are enabling the Europa Clipper, NASA's largest spacecraft ever built for planetary exploration. The spacecraft took flight on Monday with the mission to determine whether Jupiter's icy moon Europa has the potential to support life.
"We are immensely proud to have our high-efficiency solar cells once again powering a critical mission, demonstrating AZUR's strong expertise and ability to push the boundaries of solar cell technology for deep space exploration. The world's leading space agencies continue to choose AZUR as a trusted partner and our high-performing solar cells which enable the generation of solar power in the extreme cold, dark and harsh conditions of Jupiter as well as many other environments, such as missions close to the sun and various Earth Orbits," said Gervais Jacques, President and CEO, 5N+.
AZUR's triple-junction solar cells (3G-LILT) were embedded in the Europa Clipper spacecraft's massive solar arrays. These solar-cell covered 'wings' are critical for utilizing the maximum amount of sunlight possible to generate power, as Europa Clipper will receive only 3% to 4% of the sunlight that reaches Earth due to Europa's distance from the Sun. The selected AZUR solar cells are specifically designed to function in one of the most extreme environments in our solar system, with conditions characterized by intense particle radiation, low sunlight intensity and low temperature ("LILT"). Prior to NASA, the European Space Agency also relied on these same solar cells for their Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice) mission spacecraft, which launched in 2023.
"I would like to extend my deepest appreciation and congratulations to the entire team for this latest achievement in partnership with NASA, which further cements AZUR's strong global leadership and expertise in advanced solar cell technology for space solar power applications," concluded Mr. Jacques.
About 5N+
5N+ is a leading global producer of specialty semiconductors and performance materials. The Company's ultra‐pure materials often form the core element of its customers' products. These customers rely on 5N+'s products to enable performance and sustainability in their own products. 5N+ deploys a range of proprietary and proven technologies to develop and manufacture its products. The Company's products enable various applications in several key industries, including renewable energy, security, space, pharmaceutical, medical imaging and industrial. Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, 5N+ operates R&D, manufacturing and commercial centers in strategically located facilities around the world including Europe, North America and Asia.