Solestial Secures $1.2 Million from SpaceWERX for Novel Solar Array Development

In a groundbreaking move for the realm of renewable energy in space, Solestial, Inc., a company that specializes in solar energy applications for space, has been honored with a $1.2 million award from SpaceWERX. This funding is designed for a Direct-to-Phase II project aimed at developing an innovative multiorbital solar array wing concept tailored specifically for small satellites. The significance of this award cannot be understated; it represents a crucial step in addressing the current challenges faced by the Department of the Air Force (DAF).

The project will allow Solestial to delve into the optimization of low-mass, radiation-hardened silicon solar cells designed for quick integration and assembly. Additionally, the company aims to develop pioneering electrical interconnectors for these solar modules, culminating in the construction and testing of a complete solar array wing. This comprehensive effort includes a rigorous two-week manufacturing sprint to produce 1 kilowatt's worth of solar cells and modules, followed by an assembly phase designed to demonstrate the feasibility of manufacturing a complete solar array wing from inception to finish in just one month.

Margo de Naray, the CEO of Solestial, described the award as a significant recognition of their efforts. She emphasized that the project will yield important research and development outcomes beneficial to the U.S. Space Force. Long manufacturing lead times have long hindered the conventional solar technologies used in space applications. Solestial focuses on using affordable silicon and automated manufacturing techniques to streamline this process, thereby resolving a critical bottleneck that presents challenges to mission readiness.

To date, Solestial has garnered over $7 million in Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts from various prestigious entities including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Air Force, Air Force Research Laboratory, NASA, and the National Science Foundation. The collaboration with SpaceWERX—an innovative division of the U.S. Space Force—further establishes Solestial's place at the forefront of space solar innovation, which aligns with the overarching goals of national defense and technological advancement in the United States.

Notably, Solestial's solar cells are designed with a unique capacity to self-cure radiation damage when exposed to sunlight at operating temperatures as low as 65°C. Packaged into ultra-thin, lightweight, and flexible modules, these solar power devices can sustain themselves for up to 10 years in harsh space environments. Production of these modules occurs through automated techniques that significantly drive down costs when compared to traditional III-V multijunction solar products.

The implications of Solestial’s technology extend far beyond current satellite constellations and research endeavors; they also hold promise for future lunar settlements and various services in outer space. Their innovative approach signifies a paradigm shift in space solar technology, advancing an affordable and scalable solution for sustained energy development in space. Based in Tempe, Arizona, Solestial takes pride in manufacturing its solar cells and flexible modules right in the heart of the U.S.

In concluding remarks, Margo de Naray stated that this award galvanizes Solestial's mission to deliver ample energy solutions in space. As the company continues to push boundaries, it invites those interested in learning more to visit their website and keep abreast of their progress through social media channels. As Solestial continues to pave the way in space solar energy, the future of renewable energy beyond Earth looks increasingly promising.

To find out more about their ongoing projects and developments, readers can follow Solestial on their various social media platforms and keep an eye on their website for updates.

About SpaceWERX

SpaceWERX, functioning as the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force, is dedicated to fostering collaboration with innovative entities to bolster capabilities in the ever-evolving domain of space. By executing an annual budget of $457 million with a team of 40 personnel, SpaceWERX has awarded more than 1,470 contracts valued above $1.46 billion since its alignment under the Air Force Research Laboratory in August 2021, playing a vital role in propelling the U.S. defense industrial base forward.

For those working within the defense sector or interested in technological advancements in space, this development underscores a significant moment that could redefine the landscape of solar energy solutions in off-Earth applications.