Ascent Solar Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTI) concluded 2025 with multiple strategic achievements in the space solar market, establishing momentum that company officials believe will drive growth throughout 2026. The company's featherweight, flexible, and durable CIGS thin-film photovoltaic solutions gained traction with customers who value performance in extreme environments, low-light conditions, and rapid delivery capabilities.
Throughout 2025, Ascent engaged with several high-profile partners, including NASA and various defense contractors, who are utilizing the company's advanced PV solutions to power spacecraft and satellites. A key partnership with NOVI Space Inc., a company specializing in AI-powered satellites, demonstrated Ascent's operational capabilities. In March, the companies signed a Master Services Agreement under which Ascent provides rollable PV array blankets for NOVI's AI edge processing constellation, scheduled for launch in early 2026. This partnership highlighted Ascent's ability to deliver solar arrays in six to eight weeks, significantly faster than the industry standard of nine to twelve months.
Collaboration with NASA represents another significant development. Ascent is working with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, supported by NASA Glenn Research Center, to develop technology capable of receiving beamed power using its photovoltaic panels. This technology involves beaming energy from satellites or orbital vehicles to thin, flexible PV panels via microwave or laser beams. The captured energy in CIGS PV modules enables spacecraft to operate for longer durations while reducing weight and manufacturing costs through fewer required parts and equipment.
Beyond space applications, Ascent's technology is being tested for aquatic terrestrial applications by an ocean monitoring company seeking to enable persistent operation of ocean-based monitoring technologies. This diversification demonstrates the versatility of Ascent's PV solutions across different extreme environments.
Strategic partnerships formed throughout 2025 position Ascent to compete in a space solar market projected to reach $6.8 billion by 2040. The company's collaboration with CisLunar Industries, which specializes in power conversion and conditioning hardware and software, focuses on developing long-lasting power solutions for extended commercial, civil, and defense space missions. Another partnership with Defiant Space Corp. targets opportunities in U.S. defense and national security sectors.
A memorandum of understanding with Star Catcher Industries, a company developing what it describes as the first space energy grid, represents another collaborative approach. This partnership enables satellite operators to access up to five to ten times more power by transmitting concentrated solar energy to existing onboard solar arrays without requiring new equipment.
Technological advancement remains central to Ascent's strategy. The company formed an alliance with Emtel Energy USA to combine Emtel's graphene-based, long-duration energy storage with Ascent's PVs for powering satellites, spacecraft, and other space architecture.
Financially, Ascent ended 2025 with $2 million in gross proceeds from a private placement, with potential for up to $3.5 million in aggregate proceeds upon full warrant exercise. Looking ahead to 2026, the company's immediate focus includes adhering to an aggressive production schedule to fulfill booked orders for array deployments planned for the first quarter. Concurrently, Ascent will advance cell efficiency for its ASTI CIGS thin-film technology.
The company's CEO plans to meet with strategic satellite players and decision-makers in the European Union, potentially driving additional deals, customer acquisitions, and collaborations. Ascent anticipates increased development and deliveries of solar arrays for European partners during the first half of 2026 as a result of these engagements.
Technical validation continues with advanced environmental testing scheduled for the first quarter to quantify performance in extreme space conditions, including radiation and atomic oxygen resilience testing. Continued collaboration with partners secured in 2025 will further strengthen Ascent's market position as the company expands its presence in the growing space solar industry.
