Providing protection in space
On October 4, 1957, a great chapter in the age of space travel began with the launch of the Soviet satellite Sputnik 1. However, the first artificial Earth satellite's mission was a short one. At that time, batteries were used to power the satellite. These lasted for only 21 days, and after 92 days in orbit, Sputnik 1 burned up in the atmosphere.
At that point, the race for technical superiority in space began. Shortly thereafter, satellites were equipped with solar cells in addition to batteries. The goal of the built-in solar cell was to supply satellites with electricity for the duration of their missions with power obtained from solar radiation in orbit. This addition significantly reduced battery mass and substantially extended mission duration. Of the approximately 4,900 active satellites orbiting the Earth by the end of 2021, nearly every satellite relies on solar cells to provide a reliable power supply.
Another challenge for satellites in space is wear and tear. Space is a hostile environment, with extreme low and high temperatures and enormous temperature changes. Additionally, missions face pressures from the vacuum atmosphere, and high doses of electromagnetic and charged particle radiation from the Sun and other stars outside our solar system. These are extremely stressful for materials.
In order to withstand the challenging environmental conditions of space, materials require suitable protection. In order to function, the solar cells that equip satellites rely on the long-term protection provided by covering solar cells with glass.