#United States #Tempe #Solestial #Greg Stanton

Congressman Greg Stanton Visits Solestial

On November 26, Congressman Greg Stanton paid a visit to Solestial, a space startup based in Tempe, Arizona that’s pushing the boundaries of solar technology for use in outer space. During the visit, he toured the manufacturing facilities where Solestial creates innovative solar cells specifically engineered to operate effectively in the harsh environment of space. This visit is part of a broader effort to support emerging technologies in Arizona, which has gained a reputation as a hub of innovation in sectors like aerospace and solar energy.

During his tour, Stanton had the opportunity to meet with key figures in the company and discuss their ambitious plans for the future. Solestial's CEO and Co-Founder, Stan Herasimenka, showcased their unique solar technology that aims to provide sustainable energy solutions for upcoming space missions. He highlighted that the company has significantly expanded its workforce over the past two years, doubling its employee count to over 40, thus creating numerous job opportunities within the community.

At the heart of the discussion was an impressive feat of engineering—the solar module itself, which Stanton signed as a symbol of support for the technology. This solar module is not just any regular product; it’s designed to withstand the rigors of space travel, including self-repair capabilities when exposed to sunlight. The meeting included representatives from Arizona State University (ASU) and Skysong Innovations, indicating the collaborative spirit driving innovation in the region. Kyle Siegal, Executive Director of Skysong Innovations, spoke about the strong ties between Solestial and ASU, where the company was initially founded. This collaboration underscores the value of academic support in fostering new businesses and technologies.

Furthermore, Christiana Honsberg, a professor at ASU, stressed the potential of photovoltaic technology to not only drive innovation but also increase job growth within the local economy, emphasizing the promising future of solar energy. Vince Hearn, head of government business development at Solestial, informed Stanton about the substantial financial backing the startup has received. The company successfully obtained close to $6 million through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s America’s Seed Fund, which is crucial for their research into ultrathin silicon solar cells tailored for space applications. The funding is also supported by national agencies, including NASA and the Air Force Research Laboratory.

Stanton praised Arizona as a leading state in innovation, not just in solar technology but also in semiconductors, positioning the state as an essential player in America's future developments in the space sector. He remarked on Solestial's importance as an emerging name in the industry that will likely gain recognition in the upcoming years. “It’s an ASU success story and a Tempe success story,