Awards

On December 22nd, a ceremony to present a certificate of appreciation was held at Sharp’s Tenri Office (Sharp Museum) to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Sharp’s long-term supply of Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)-certified parts.

At the ceremony, Hirotaka Arima, Vice President of Sharp Energy Solutions Corporation (SESJ), attended the ceremony to represent the company, and received a certificate of appreciation from Mr. Hiroshi Yamakawa, JAXA President.

This certificate of appreciation was awarded by JAXA in recognition of our 50 years of long-term supply of space solar cells.

[ Acknowledgment from SESJ Vice President Hirotaka Arima ]

In 1972, our silicon solar cells for space use were first recognized as JAXA certified parts, and ever since, we have played a role in supplying solar cells for space use over the past 50 years. During this time, we have deepened our knowledge of solar power generation, refined our technology, built a cooperative relationship with JAXA, and are proud to have played a part in space exploration.

Our solar cell technology is advancing day by day, contributing to space exploration and sustainable energy supplies. And at this very moment, the unmanned lander "SLIM" is flying towards the moon. We are proud that our solar cells are installed on the unmanned lander "SLIM", which brings together humanity's dreams and hopes and JAXA's technology and wisdom. Through this moon landing and exploration, we are looking forward to hear great results that will lead the world. Through collaboration with JAXA, we will continue to aim for further technological innovation and take on challenges in the future as well.

Finally, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for the honorable opportunity of this ceremony. We would like to continue to strengthen our collaboration with JAXA and cultivate the future together.

[ History of certified parts ]

・1972: Received parts certification for space silicon solar cells

・1976: Adopted for Japan's first practical satellite "Ume" (replica on display at the Sharp museum)

・1978: Certified by JAXA as a manufacturing factory for silicon solar cells for space use.
　Since then, we have continued to be a certified space solar cell factory.

・To date, approximately 190 satellites have been equipped with our solar cells, of which
　approximately 60 were for JAXA.

・Our solar cells are also installed in the small lunar landing demonstration lander SLIM, which was
　successfully launched in September 2023.
　SLIM is scheduled to land on the moon on January 20, 2024 (according to JAXA announcement on
　December 5, 2023)