Ascent Solar Panels Selected for Earth-Imaging Satellite
Ascent Solar's flexible CIGS photovoltaic blankets have been selected for NOVI's AI-enabled Pathfinder Earth-imaging spacecraft. The mission is scheduled to launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a target date of March 29, 2026. The selection highlights the use of flexible solar technology for next-generation satellite systems.
NOVI's toaster-sized Pathfinder spacecraft will generate 150 watts of power, a level typically seen on much larger and more expensive satellites. This is enabled by Ascent's flexible CIGS photovoltaic array, which can be tightly rolled to minimize stowed volume during launch. The mission will demonstrate NOVI's GENIE™ platform, an edge-compute system designed for real-time processing of Earth observation data. Ascent Solar's thin-film modules offer a high power-to-weight ratio, which is critical for reducing launch costs and improving satellite maneuverability. The company's CIGS (copper-indium-gallium-selenide) technology is deposited on a thin, flexible polyamide substrate, resulting in a lightweight and durable power source. This technology has been validated by NASA for its performance in space environments. The selection of flexible photovoltaics over traditional rigid silicon panels is a growing trend for satellite constellations where cost, mass, and scalability are key drivers. Thin-film solar cells generally have better temperature coefficients and can perform well in the low-light or indirect sunlight conditions sometimes experienced in orbit. This mission builds on Ascent Solar's spaceflight heritage, including a previous deployment on Momentus' Vigoride-6 mission which achieved NASA's Technology Readiness Level 9 (TRL-9). The company is also collaborating with NASA on developing technologies for receiving beamed power in space, potentially reducing the mass and complexity of future spacecraft.
