Ascent Solar Technologies, a U.S.-based leader in the design and manufacturing of featherweight, flexible thin-film photovoltaic (PV) solutions, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Star Catcher Industries, a company pioneering the world’s first space energy grid. The collaboration aims to accelerate the use of thin-film PV technologies in space environments while supporting Star Catcher’s vision of delivering space-to-space power beaming services.
Star Catcher is developing a first-of-its-kind system that transmits concentrated solar energy directly to clients’ existing onboard solar arrays without requiring retrofits. This breakthrough enables satellite operators to access five to ten times more power than traditional methods. When paired with Ascent’s ultra-light thin-film solar technology, optimized for spacecraft and satellite use, the system will offer operators a reliable, advanced energy solution supported by Star Catcher’s space energy grid.
As part of the partnership, Ascent Solar and Star Catcher will explore several key initiatives. These include power augmentation for Ascent customers through Star Catcher’s beamed energy platform, ensuring continuous power during high-demand operations; enhanced power availability during outages such as eclipses or system failures; bundled solutions combining Ascent’s thin-film PV technology with Star Catcher’s power augmentation services; and joint ground and in-space demonstration missions to validate and showcase the combined capabilities.
Paul Warley, CEO of Ascent Solar Technologies, stated, “Working in tandem with Star Catcher opens up several new possibilities and market opportunities for Ascent. Through this MOU, our companies will be able to tackle joint customer and mission objectives. Beyond that, this marks an incredible chance for our companies to further work toward the proliferation of improved solar solutions in orbit to meet growing demand for next generation power solutions.”
This MoU marks a significant step in advancing the future of space-based solar power. By aligning their technologies and expertise, Ascent Solar and Star Catcher aim to deliver next-generation energy solutions that will support uninterrupted operations for satellites and spacecraft while contributing to the broader development of space energy infrastructure.
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