Rocket Lab’s Germanium-Free Solar Breakthrough | Durham News

Rocket Lab just unveiled its new IMM Apex solar cell — lighter, more efficient, and crucially, germanium-free — offering a plug-and-play upgrade for satellites already in orbit. With tech proven on the Ingenuity Mars helicopter and backed by a 2022 acquisition, this isn’t a gamble but a strategic move. While stock reacted wildly amid broader space sector turbulence, the real win? It’s a supply chain hedge against China’s grip on refined germanium — a vulnerability that could resurface as export restrictions expire next year. This small cell is part of Rocket Lab’s bigger play: building an end-to-end space company resilient to global disruptions. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: [email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/a2141d5f5037bc72