Perovskite Solar Cells for Space Applications: Progress, Perspectives, and Remaining Challenges

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have rapidly evolved into one of the most promising photovoltaic technologies, achieving power conversion efficiencies comparable to established silicon devices while offering unique advantages such as low weight, mechanical flexibility, and low-temperature, solution-based manufacturing. These attributes, combined with recently demonstrated tolerance to high-energy particle irradiation, position PSCs as compelling candidates for next-generation space power systems. This perspective work summarizes recent advances in PSC development for space environments, focusing on their behaviour under key stressors such as radiation (e.g., electrons, protons, gamma rays, and neutrons), ultraviolet exposure, extreme thermal cycling, and ultra-high vacuum. Progress in material design, device architecture, self-healing mechanisms, and encapsulation strategies is discussed, along with early in-orbit and suborbital demonstrations. Remaining challenges, including long-term stability, encapsulation reliability, large-area scalability, and the need for standardized space-qualification protocols, are also outlined. Indeed, PSCs represent a compelling opportunity for next-generation space photovoltaics, provided that targeted materials and engineering solutions address critical issues of encapsulation and durability under combined stressors to ensure reliable operation in harsh extraterrestrial conditions.