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Ascent Solar’s thin-film space solar products undamaged in atomic oxygen exposure tests

22 d ago

Ascent Solar Technologies Inc, based in Thornton, CO, USA, announced on 29 June 2026 that its thin-film copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) photovoltaic panels designed for space applications have demonstrated significant resilience to atomic oxygen (AO) exposure in preliminary tests. AO is the most predominant and highly reactive particle in low Earth orbit (LEO), causing damage such as shrinking, cracking, erosion, and oxidation to materials. For solar arrays, AO degrades polymer blankets and oxidizes metallic interconnects, leading to power loss and reduced lifespan. Common silicon and gallium arsenide (GaAs) solar technologies often experience degradation of a few percent to over 10% over several years in LEO due to AO interaction with cover glass adhesives, encapsulants, and coatings. Ascent’s space-grade products, which incorporate 1mil fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) film as a primary barrier and encapsulant, underwent several rounds of AO exposure testing. The tests simulated conditions equivalent to six months at the altitude of the International Space Station (400 km). Results showed zero loss of power, indicating strong resistance to AO erosion. Ascent plans further testing to simulate longer mission durations in AO-rich environments. CEO Paul Warley stated that these positive results highlight a critical value proposition for the company’s PV technology, enabling spacecraft operators to withstand the harsh conditions of space. He emphasized that the lightweight, flexible, and rollable panels, combined with resilience to launch stresses, make Ascent’s PV an optimal choice for orbital power systems, especially as the commercial space market expands rapidly. The company continues to develop CIGS modules for space applications, including power for beaming and other advanced uses.