Ascent Solar Technologies has successfully integrated its flexible copper‑indium‑gallium‑selenide (CIGS) solar blankets into NOVI’s Pathfinder spacecraft, a toaster‑sized hyperspectral imaging satellite that will generate 150 W of power—an output typically reserved for larger spacecraft—while keeping the stowed volume and launch mass minimal.
The blankets are rolled tightly, allowing the satellite to maintain a lightweight configuration that reduces launch mass and stowed volume. The integration showcases Ascent’s rapid domestic manufacturing capability and the lightweight, flexible nature of its monolithic CIGS technology, which offers major reductions in mass and volume compared to traditional silicon arrays.
CEO Paul Warley said, "Our partnership with NOVI has evolved quickly over the last year. In large part due to our rapid manufacturing capabilities in a domestic facility, enabling Ascent to quickly supply product to customers looking for immediate solutions." He added, "Through this partnership with NOVI, we're achieving lower costs on faster timelines, driving major reductions in mass and volume compared to traditional silicon solar arrays. Our solutions are also more durable and sustainable, which reduces space debris risks while improving efficiency for spacecraft operators."
The successful integration marks the first commercial deployment of Ascent’s CIGS technology in a space mission, validating the company’s technology and positioning it for future contracts with larger satellite constellations and defense platforms.
The Pathfinder is scheduled to launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 no earlier than March 29 2026, and the solar blankets will provide the power needed for its hyperspectral imaging payload—a critical capability for Earth observation and geospatial intelligence.
Investors and industry observers have noted that Ascent’s progress in the space sector has historically correlated with positive market reception, and the company’s ability to deliver rapid, domestic manufacturing solutions is seen as a competitive advantage in a market where mass and volume constraints are paramount.
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