SYLMAR, Calif., Nov. 20, 2008 — Spectrolab Inc., a wholly owned Boeing [NYSE: BA] subsidiary, this week received the 2008 SpotBeam Award for Space Innovation from the California Space Authority (CSA) in recognition of its 50 years of advancements in photovoltaic solar cell technology, solar panels and related products.
“We are honored to accept this award from the California Space Authority,” said David Lillington, president of Spectrolab. “As satellites become more powerful and capable, the breadth and depth of Spectrolab’s knowledge enables us to develop solar cells that increase efficiencies and contribute to our customers’ successful space satellite operations.”
Spectrolab received the award Wednesday at a banquet in Los Angeles hosted by the CSA, a nonprofit corporation representing the state’s space community. The SpotBeam Award recognizes organizations for extraordinary contributions to the state’s leadership in U.S. and international space arenas.
Spectrolab is the world’s leading supplier of photovoltaic solar cells, solar panels, searchlights and solar simulators and recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Spectrolab products have powered satellites since 1958 and have contributed to the on-orbit success of numerous commercial, national security and civil space missions. Spectrolab’s technological advancements have driven space solar cell efficiencies to more than 28 percent. Today, Spectrolab cells power 60 percent of all satellites orbiting the Earth as well as the International Space Station.
