01 Germanium-Based Solar Cells Are Increasingly Used in Space and on Earth Germanium-based solar cells are becoming increasingly popular for both space and terrestrial applications due to their unique properties. In space, they offer higher efficiency and greater radiation damage resistance than traditional silicon-based cells, making them ideal for powering satellites and space stations. On Earth, they are finding use in niche applications where their higher cost is justified by their performance, such as in concentrated photovoltaics and certain types of portable electronics. To keep the International Space Station running smoothly through 2030, NASA is installing six new roll-out solar arrays (ROSAs). The two iROSA arrays were launched in June 2021 aboard the SpaceX-22 cargo resupply mission to the ISS. These advanced arrays use multi-junction solar cells built with germanium, a material that boosts energy production, resists radiation damage, and lowers overall costs. This same technology will also power the Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway, a future space station orbiting the moon.
May 2026 Titan Mining Corporation entered into a cooperation agreement with Teck Resources to evaluate germanium recovery from existing mine waste streams at Empire State Mines. The collaboration aims to assess recovery opportunities from previously unprocessed materials and support additional domestic germanium supply for semiconductor and defense-related applications without requiring new mining operations.
March 2026 Raana Semiconductors was incubated by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) for silicon and germanium single-crystal growth technology development. The initiative was established under BARC’s incubation program to support commercialization of advanced crystal growth technologies for semiconductor applications and strengthen domestic capabilities in strategic materials.
January 2026 Germanium Mining Corp. advanced exploration activities at its Lac du Km 35 Germanium Project in Quebec, Canada. The company expanded exploration planning and geological assessment programs to identify potential germanium resources and support future development of domestic supply sources.
August 2025 Korea Zinc and Lockheed Martin signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for germanium supply and procurement cooperation. Under the agreement, Korea Zinc planned to produce high-purity germanium using non-China-sourced raw materials from its newly established germanium production facilities and supply the material to support resilient supply chains for defense and space applications.