1967
Started development of space solar cells


Photo courtesy of JAXA

Development of solar cells for space was started, and production began in 1970. In 1972 the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA), *1 gave authorization to Sharp, and in 1976 the working satellite "Ume" was launched with Sharp's solar cells on board. Space is a very harsh environment different from that of the Earth, with severe temperature changes and cosmic radiation. Even in such an environment Sharp has proved its reliability.