Solestial’s Fast‑Track Solar Array Project Gears Up For Space Missions
Published · 3 min read
Solestial is a U.S. company that makes solar power systems for satellites. They design solar cells that are
- Lightweight
- Thin
- Radiation-resistant
They aim to build a full solar wing producing 1 kilowatt (kW) of power in just four weeks. That is a big deal in the space world.
The U.S. Space Force supports this. Their innovation arm, Spacewerx, gave them $1.2 million. This money is part of the Afwerx effort by the U.S. Air Force.
Why Quick Build Time Matters
Usually, making solar panels for space takes months. Long waits cause:
- Delay in missions
- Higher costs
- Old technology by the time it flies
Solestial wants to change that. Their plan:
- Weeks 1–2: Make 1 kW of solar cells and modules
- Weeks 3–4: Assemble and integrate the solar wing
In just one month, they will have a working solar wing ready for testing.
The Technology Behind the Scenes
Solestial uses smart tech in its products:
| Feature | Benefit |
| Silicon Heterojunction (SHJ) cells | Up to 20% efficiency |
| Defect engineering | Lowers production cost |
| Self-cure under sunlight | Heals radiation damage |
| Works in wide temperature ranges | Stays stable in space |
These cells are made so they can “self-heal” when they are in space. They fix damage from radiation using sunlight. That makes them last longer.
Production in Arizona
Solestial runs a 2,787 m² factory in Tempe, Arizona. They started automating and growing it in 2023. The goal:
- Make solar cells fast
- Cut costs
- Reduce lead time
Now, they are scaling up to reach 1 megawatt per year. They want to help many satellite projects quickly, cheaply, and well.
Funding and Support
Here is the money picture:
| Source | Amount | Use |
| Spacewerx (U.S. Space Force) | $1.2 million | Fast four‑week solar wing project |
| Series A Investors | $17 million | Expand to 1 MW/year |
| SBIR Contracts | $7 million+ | R&D for government projects |
Series A backers include:
- ME Innovation Fund (by Mitsubishi Electric)
- Airbus Ventures
- Other tech-focused investors
Together, they support Solestial’s growth and tech goals.
Customers and Partners
Solestial works with a range of customers:
- Startups
- Major defense companies
- U.S. space and air force research teams
They have letters of intent with several businesses. They also won SBIR deals worth over $7 million. This shows trust in their innovation.
Impact on Small Satellites
Small satellites need reliable power. But delays in solar panels slow down missions. Solestial’s fast-wing approach helps because they can:
- Launch faster
- Stay updated with new tech
- Save money
Plus, flexible or rigid arrays give satellite makers options. The self-healing feature makes satellites last longer in tough space environments.
What’s Next
The project schedule is clear:
- Phase 1: 2 weeks of manufacturing solar cells and modules
- Phase 2: 2 weeks to build the solar wing and integrate it
- Goal: A working solar wing in one month
If this works, it will set a new standard in the space industry. Solestial plans to make this process repeatable and scalable. They want to bring this tech to more satellites soon.
Why It Matters
This project highlights a shift in space tech:
- Faster production times
- Lower costs
- Better performance
- Public-private teamwork
By working with Spacewerx and Afwerx, Solestial proves that private companies can move at speed. They can serve government missions and keep up with fast-changing needs.
