Metal halide perovskite solar cells have progressed rapidly over the past decade, providing an exceptional opportunity for space photovoltaic (PV) power applications. However, the solar cells to be used for space power have to demonstrate a stable operation under extreme conditions, particularly concerning harsh radiations. In contrast to previously reported superior stability of low PV performance perovskite solar cells against high-energy radiation, we investigate the effects of high-energy electron beam irradiation on the degradation of perovskite solar cells with a high-power conversion efficiency exceeding 20%. We find very high remaining factors of >87.7% in the open-circuit voltage (V OC ) and >93.5% in the fill factor (FF) and a significantly decreased short-circuit current density (J SC ) after the exposure to high-fluence electron irradiations of 10 15 e/cm 2 . The pronounced loss of J SC is due to the decreasing transmittance of the soda-lime glass substrate and the partial decomposition of the perovskite absorber layers. The irradiated cells retained superior remaining factors in both V OC and FF, demonstrating a superior tolerance of perovskite solar cells after the exposure to the electron irradiation. These results show that perovskite solar cells hold great potential for space PV power applications if stable perovskite compositions and space-suitable substrates are employed.

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are driven by human life support systems, scientific exploration and Earth observation equipment, telecommunications, and electric propulsion systems. There is great interest in highly efficient perovskite-structured thin-film solar cells for space applications. [1,2] These are promising candidates due to their excellent optoelectronic characteristics, low-cost, high performance, [2][3][4] and their facile manufacturability [5] potentially suitable for in-space manufacturing. [6] These traits coupled with their defect tolerance, [7,8] and radiation tolerance [9] have garnered interest for aerospace applications. Prior to the widespread implementation of metal halide perovskites (MHPs) into the space environment, solar cells must pass rigorous American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Standard 111 (AIAA-S111) space qualification testing. [10] Low earth orbit (LEO), 160-2000 km above the Earth's surface, is an ideal place to operate MHPs either on the International Space Station or on satellites. The harsh environment of LEO includes thermal cycling (±120 ⁰C), vacuum (10 −6 -10 −9 torr), ultra-violet radiation, exposure to atomic oxygen (flux 10 13 -10 15 AO/cm 2 with collision energy of 5 eV), plasma (10 6 cm −3 , ≤1 eV electron temperature), and ionizing radiation of electrons, protons, micrometeoroids (60 km s −1 ) and orbital debris (10 km s −1 ). [11] We must demonstrate MHP durability in relevant space environments to evidence feasibility. Implementing Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have emerged as a prominent new photovoltaic material combining a very competitive power conversion efficiency that rivals crystalline silicon with the added benefits of tunable properties for multijunction devices fabricated from solution which can yield high specific power. Perovskites have also demonstrated some of the lowest temperature coefficients and highest defect tolerance, which make them excellent candidates for aerospace applications. However, MHPs must demonstrate durability in space which presents different challenges than terrestrial operating environments. To decisively test the viability of perovskites being used in space, a perovskite thin film is positioned in low earth orbit for 10 months on the International Space Station, which was the first long-duration study of an MHP in space. Postflight high-resolution ultrafast spectroscopic characterization and comparison with control samples reveal that the flight sample exhibits superior photo-stability, no irreversible radiation damage, and a suppressed structural phase transition temperature by nearly 65 K, broadening the photovoltaic operational range. Further, significant photo-annealing of surface defects is shown following prolonged light-soaking postflight. These results emphasize that methylammonium lead iodide can be packaged adequately for space missions, affirming that space stressors can be managed as theorized.

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