Activity is heating up in space, and that means the demand for larger, more powerful space solar arrays is heating up, too. The challenge is to balance costs against power. Lifespan factors in, too. NASA has been scouting for companies that can deliver the most bang for the buck, and the Arizona startup Solestial is in the running with new ultra thin solar panels that can repair themselves in space.
Solestial cites “sustained, scaled activity on the Moon, Mars and possibly other bodies as well” among the factors driving the demand for new, more powerful solar arrays in space. 40 Amp Disconnect Switch
Solestial already has a spot on the NASA radar, having garnered previous contracts from the National Science Foundation and the US Air Force as well as the space agency. Apparently NASA liked what it saw. In January of 2023, the agency awarded a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research contract of $149,987 to refine its new space solar panels.
In the latest development, Solestial won a $849,954 Phase II contract from NASA for its project titled, “Next Generation Silicon Based Solar Arrays for Space Stations and Other Permanent Space Infrastructure.”
Solestial is aiming to fill the rising demand for solar panels that can withstand the harsh conditions in space while also providing a less costly alternative to the “extravagantly expensive” photovoltaic technology used in space applications for the past 60 years.
Solestial estimates that filling the demand for new satellites, space stations, and space missions will require an increase in solar capacity of 3 to 4 orders of magnitude over current levels.
<