Ascent Solar Technologies announced that its flexible copper‑indium‑gallium‑selenide (CIGS) solar blankets have been successfully integrated into NOVI’s N‑1 ATLAS and Pathfinder spacecraft, which are slated to launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 Transporter‑16 on March 29 2026. The lightweight, tightly rolled array delivers 150 W of power—an output normally reserved for larger satellites—while keeping the spacecraft’s mass and stowed volume minimal.
The blankets’ monolithic design eliminates back‑end cell interconnects, reducing potential failure points and debris risk for the low‑Earth‑orbit missions. This milestone confirms that Ascent’s technology has progressed from laboratory and ground testing to flight‑ready hardware, a critical step toward securing future contracts and generating revenue in the high‑value aerospace and defense markets.
Despite the technical success, Ascent Solar remains in a precarious financial position. The company is unprofitable, with a trailing‑12‑month net margin of approximately –1,245 % and negative operating and free cash flow. Recent private placements—$25 million in January 2026 and an earlier $2 million round—have provided capital but also added to the company’s cash burn. Analysts continue to view the company’s prospects skeptically, citing the persistent losses and high cash requirements.
CEO Paul Warley highlighted the company’s rapid domestic manufacturing capabilities and the benefits of its solutions in terms of cost, mass, volume, durability, and sustainability. He emphasized that the partnership with NOVI demonstrates the scalability of Ascent’s technology and its readiness for commercial deployment.
The announcement was well received by investors, reflecting optimism about the company’s technology and its potential to secure future aerospace contracts, even as the broader financial picture remains challenging.
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