EMCORE's Record Efficiency Solar Cells Released to Earth Orbit in the Final Space Shuttle Mission

Atlantis Releases EMCORE's Greater Than 33% Efficiency Solar Cells Into Low-Earth Orbit

ALBUQUERQUE, NM -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 07/29/11 -- EMCORE Corporation (NASDAQ: EMKR), a leading provider of compound semiconductor-based components and subsystems for the fiber optic and solar power markets, announced today that a pair of EMCORE Inverted Metamorphic Module Quadruple-Junction (IMM4J) solar cells carried on a platform were released into low-earth orbit (LEO) from the Space Shuttle Atlantis' cargo bay on July 20, 2011 after Atlantis undocked from the International Space Station during its historic final mission.

The EMCORE IMM4J large-area solar cells, with solar-to-electric conversion efficiencies in excess of 33%, are amongst the highest efficiency solar cells ever launched into space. The IMM4J solar cell technology, which is currently under development at EMCORE, has also demonstrated a laboratory world record conversion efficiency of greater than 36%, measured under simulated space solar illumination conditions at EMCORE.

"The on-orbit data from these cells provides an invaluable opportunity for EMCORE to assess the performance of our latest solar cell technologies under space flight conditions," said Christopher Larocca, Chief Operating Officer of EMCORE. "We are also very proud to make a contribution to the final mission of the Space Shuttle program."

EMCORE is the world's largest manufacturer of highly efficient radiation-hard solar cells for space power applications. With a beginning-of-life (BOL) conversion efficiency in the order of 30% and the option for a patented, onboard monolithic bypass diode, EMCORE's industry leading multi-junction solar cells can provide the highest available power to interplanetary spacecrafts and earth orbiting satellites.

About EMCORE

EMCORE Corporation offers a broad portfolio of compound semiconductor- based products for the broadband, fiber optic, satellite and solar power markets. EMCORE's Fiber Optic segment offers optical components, subsystems and systems for high speed data and telecommunications networks, cable television (CATV) and fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP). EMCORE's Photovoltaic segment provides products for both satellite and terrestrial applications. For satellite applications, EMCORE offers high efficiency Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) based solar cells, Covered Interconnect Cells (CICs) and panels. For terrestrial applications, EMCORE is adapting its high-efficiency GaAs solar cells for use in solar concentrator systems. For further information about EMCORE, visit http://www.emcore.com.

Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements include statements regarding the company's expectations, goals or intentions, including, but not limited to, product features and their benefits, product quality and network growth. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the company and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those stated in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause the company's actual results to differ from those set forth in any forward-looking statement are discussed in more detail under "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the company's SEC filings. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact:
Mark Weinswig
Chief Financial Officer
(505) 332-5000
investor@emcore.com

TTC Group
Victor Allgeier
(646) 290-6400
vic@ttcominc.com

Source: EMCORE

Released July 29, 2011