As thin as a hair, these silicon solar cells are developed by the CEA at INES and are bound to travel in space

Since the early 2000s, the space exploration field has been changing. We speak of "new space": the shift from a government-led agency initiative to a private initiative industry seeking low-cost access to activities in space.

The race to lower costs for space-based solar generators (constellations) and for upper atmosphere photovoltaic applications is now on.

The Biden administration unveiled new rules Tuesday for its “Chips for America” program to build up semiconductor research and manufacturing in the United States, beginning a new rush toward federal funding in the sector.