Rocket Lab Introduces High-Efficiency Solar Cell to Reduce Reliance on Supply-Constrained Critical Minerals
Rocket Lab launches IMM Apex, a germanium-free, high-efficiency space solar cell designed as a drop-in replacement for existing satellite power systems.
Rhea-AI Summary
Rocket Lab (RKLB) has introduced IMM Apex, a production-ready inverted metamorphic solar cell aimed at higher-efficiency, lower-mass power for space applications.
IMM Apex delivers a Beginning of Life solar conversion efficiency of 31.5% and 40% lower cell mass, which increases specific power while maintaining radiation hardness and temperature performance. The cell eliminates germanium substrates used in conventional multi-junction designs, reducing exposure to critical-mineral cost and supply constraints. IMM Apex is a mechanical and electrical drop-in replacement for heritage germanium-based cells and is manufactured in multi-hundred-kilowatt volumes. It extends Rocket Lab’s IMM technology that has supported missions such as NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter and powers more than 1,100 satellites on orbit.
Positive
- IMM Apex efficiency 31.5% Beginning of Life solar conversion
- Cell mass reduced by 40%, increasing specific power (watts per kilogram)
- Germanium-free design reduces exposure to critical mineral supply and cost pressures
- Manufacturing scale enabled in multi-hundred-kilowatt volumes to meet demand
- Flight heritage IMM technology already powers more than 1,100 on-orbit satellites
Negative
- None.
Key Figures
- Solar conversion efficiency
- 31.5%
- Beginning of Life for IMM Apex
- Cell mass reduction
- 40% lower
- IMM Apex compared with prior cell products
- Manufacturing volume
- multi-100-kilowatt volumes
- IMM Apex production capacity
- Testing and qualification
- more than a decade
- IMM technology testing and qualification
Key Terms
inverted metamorphic technical
radiation hardness technical
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LONG BEACH, Calif., Sept. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced the production release of Inverted Metamorphic (IMM) Apex, the latest iteration of its next-generation solar cell designed to deliver exceptional efficiency and reliability for space applications. IMM Apex boasts a Beginning of Life solar conversion efficiency of
IMM Apex is free of the germanium substrates used for conventional, multi-junction solar cells produced for the last three decades. By eliminating reliance on this critical mineral, IMM Apex mitigates rising costs and supply chain constraints currently facing the space power industry.
Crucially, IMM Apex is a mechanical and electrical drop-in replacement for heritage solar cell products on germanium, meaning customers can integrate it into existing systems without major investments to re-tool for new cell technology.
IMM Apex builds on the proven success of Rocket Lab’s IMM cell technology, which powered NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter during its historic mission and has been powering satellites on orbit for more than a decade.
In addition to being free from germanium supply constraints, optimized manufacturing processes and targeted capital investments have enabled efficient manufacturing in multi-100-kilowatt volumes to meet growing demand.
“Rocket Lab is excited to bring this cutting-edge solar solution to market. IMM Apex delivers exceptional performance while addressing real-world challenges like rising material costs and supply chain constraints,” said Brad Clevenger, President of Rocket Lab USA. “With IMM Apex, customers gain access to a high-efficiency, lightweight, germanium-free product that combines proven reliability with faster production times. IMM Apex is designed to more cost-effectively power the most ambitious missions without compromising performance.”
IMM technology has undergone more than a decade of rigorous testing and qualification, ensuring its readiness for a wide range of customer needs and mission requirements. IMM Apex is available now, with ongoing advancements to support future applications.
IMM Apex adds to Rocket Lab’s long history of delivering reliable, high-efficiency solar solutions for critical missions. The company has provided space-grade solar technology to critical civil, national security and commercial space programs including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA’s Artemis lunar explorations, and other interplanetary science missions. More than 1,100 satellites on orbit are powered by Rocket Lab solar products.
More information about Rocket Lab’s Space Solar solutions is available here.
Rocket Lab Media
Matt McKinney
media@rocketlabusa.com
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is a leading space company that provides launch services, spacecraft, payloads and satellite components serving commercial, government, and national security markets. Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket is the world’s most frequently launched orbital small rocket; its HASTE rocket provides hypersonic test launch capability for the U.S. government and allied nations; and its Neutron launch vehicle in development will unlock medium launch for constellation deployment, national security and exploration missions. Rocket Lab’s spacecraft and satellite components have enabled more than 1,700 missions spanning commercial, defense and national security missions including GPS, constellations, and exploration missions to the Moon, Mars, and Venus. Rocket Lab is a publicly listed company on the Nasdaq stock exchange (RKLB). Learn more at www.rocketlabcorp.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding our launch and space systems operations, launch schedule and window, safe and repeatable access to space, Neutron development, operational expansion and business strategy, and statements regarding our satellite capabilities, manufacturing scale, and constellation support are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “potential,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “strategy,” “future,” “could,” “would,” “project,” “plan,” “target,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the factors, risks and uncertainties included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and the Investor Relations section of our website at https://investors.rocketlabcorp.com which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management’s estimates as of the date of this press release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f82e86ee-aef3-4cfb-bb0b-118b5ca41bea
FAQ
What is IMM Apex and what applications is it designed for?
IMM Apex is the latest iteration of Rocket Lab’s inverted metamorphic (IMM) solar cell technology. It is designed to deliver high-efficiency, lightweight, radiation-hardened power generation for a wide range of space applications, including satellites and other critical missions.
How does IMM Apex differ from conventional multi-junction solar cells?
IMM Apex removes the germanium substrate used in conventional multi-junction solar cells produced over the past three decades. It provides 31.5% Beginning of Life efficiency and 40% lower cell mass, while remaining a mechanical and electrical drop-in replacement for heritage germanium-based products.
Can IMM Apex be integrated into existing satellite power systems without major redesigns?
Yes. IMM Apex is described as a mechanical and electrical drop-in replacement for heritage solar cell products on germanium, so customers can integrate it into existing systems without major re-tooling investments.
When is IMM Apex available and what is Rocket Lab’s production capability?
IMM Apex is available now. Optimized manufacturing processes and targeted capital investments support efficient production in multi-hundred-kilowatt volumes to address growing demand.
What mission heritage supports Rocket Lab’s IMM solar technology?
Rocket Lab’s IMM technology has powered NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter and has been used on satellites on orbit for more than a decade. The company has also supplied space-grade solar products to programs such as the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA’s Artemis lunar explorations, and other interplanetary science missions, with more than 1,100 satellites currently powered by its solar products.