U.S.-based flexible thin-film solar photovoltaic (PV) solutions provider Ascent Solar Technologies has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Star Catcher Industries, a space energy company currently building the world's first space-to-space power transmission network. The collaboration aims to accelerate the application of thin-film photovoltaic technology in space (space-based solar power), with the official statement indicating that this partnership is expected to elevate the energy efficiency of satellite operators and spacecraft to new levels.
Star Catcher Industries states that its innovative energy transmission service can deliver concentrated solar power directly to existing onboard solar array panels, increasing energy output by five to ten times without requiring any modifications.
The collaboration will explore several key initiatives. One of the primary initiatives is to enhance power supply: Ascent's customers can utilize Star Catcher's advanced bundled energy platform, which can continuously boost power supply during periods of high demand. The Star Catcher platform also has the capability to provide backup power during unforeseen outages (such as those caused by eclipses or technical failures). Ascent Solar noted that combining its flexible thin-film photovoltaic technology with Star Catcher's power enhancement capabilities is expected to deliver highly efficient energy solutions tailored to the unique needs of space operations.
The partnership also plans to establish demonstration missions to showcase and validate the effectiveness of these combined technologies both on the ground and in orbit, laying the foundation for broader adoption of these next-generation power solutions in the aerospace sector.
Paul Warley, CEO of Ascent Solar Technologies, emphasized the significance of the agreement, stating: "The collaboration with Star Catcher opens up numerous new possibilities and market opportunities. Through this Memorandum of Understanding, our two companies will be able to jointly address customer and mission objectives, and further commit to promoting improved solar solutions in orbit to meet the growing demand for next-generation power solutions."
Ascent Solar Technologies provides flexible thin-film solar panels, with its photovoltaic modules already applied in space missions, aircraft, agrivoltaic installations, and other consumer and industrial products. The company's primary R&D center and its 5MW production facility are located in Thornton, Colorado.
Star Catcher was founded in 2024 by experienced space entrepreneurs Andrew Rush, Bryan Lyandvert, and Michael Snyder, and completed a $12.25 million seed round in July 2024, co-led by Initialized Capital and B Capital. The company has already established partnerships with several firms, including Satlyt Partner (aimed at unlocking scalable edge computing), Mission Space Partner (aimed at revolutionizing space weather monitoring and power delivery), and Space Florida (aimed at advancing the construction of the "world's first space energy network").
Space-based solar power technology represents an emerging field in solar energy utilization with tremendous potential benefits. A recent study from King's College London indicates that utilizing space-based solar power could significantly reduce Europe's land requirements for renewable energy, by as much as 80%.
