#United States #Airbus #mPower Technology #DragonSCALES #Conklin, New York

mPower Technology Launches a High-Volume Space-Solar Production Line

mPower Technology, a leader in solar technology dedicated to enhancing space power solutions, has officially inaugurated its new automated high-volume solar module production line at Universal Instruments Corporation’s facility in Conklin, New York. This facility is notable for being the first automated, large-scale manufacturing site for solar modules intended for space applications, a groundbreaking achievement in the sector.

The production line kicks off with an impressive annual capacity of 1 megawatt (MW) of its innovative DragonSCALES™ solar modules, with anticipations to double this output to 2 MW per year by mid-2026. This escalation in production is a direct response to the surging demand for lightweight, resilient, and scalable solar solutions across various space endeavors, including lunar and Mars missions, as well as space-based power generation.

CEO of mPower, Kevin Hell, emphasized the significance of this development, stating, “This facility is a milestone not just for mPower, but for space. It marks an inflection point in the space solar industry where small-scale, manually-intensive fabrication has now evolved into large-scale industrial production.” With this increased production capability, mPower is positioned to cater to the burgeoning requirements of space missions requiring dependable energy solutions.

The Airbus Partnership and Its Implications

A significant driver for this new manufacturing line is the recent contract signed with Airbus, which involves the production of solar modules for the Sparkwing solar arrays that will be used in over 200 spacecraft. This partnership underscores the market’s confidence in mPower’s DragonSCALES™ technology, as it signals a commitment to a new standard in space power solutions.

In collaboration with UIC, mPower is tapping into over a century of expertise in automation, ensuring the consistent and cost-effective production of high-quality solar modules. The capabilities at the Conklin facility enable the production of resilient silicon solar modules, crucial for multi-megawatt deployments in extensive space applications.

Addressing Critical Energy Needs in Space Missions

The need for reliable, scalable energy is a key constraint in the expanding space economy. As a recent white paper by Shield Capital highlights, energy limitations define the feasibility of many space missions. DragonSCALES™ modules, drawing on over 15 years of spaceflight heritage, are designed to meet stringent requirements for performance, manufacturability, and scalability, empowering mission planners to conceptualize larger, more ambitious projects.

John Serafini, a partner at Shield Capital, noted the impact of mPower's transition from laboratory innovation to actual production capabilities. He remarked, “Power is a critical limiting factor in space, and the companies that can deliver reliable, scalable power will define the next era of orbital and lunar infrastructure. mPower is doing just that.”

mPower Technology: Shaping the Future of Space Solar

Based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, mPower Technology is on a mission to reshape the future of solar power in space with its DragonSCALES™ technology. This solar solution is engineered for mass production using standard silicon PV processes, providing high-performance and scalable energy for a diverse range of spacecraft applications. As the industry edges closer to a new era of space exploration, mPower’s advancements mark a pivotal step towards sustainable and efficient energy solutions for future missions.

For further information, visit mpowertech.com or follow mPower Technology on their social media channels.