Ascent Solar Technologies (NASDAQ: ASTI) announced plans to expand testing of its copper-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS) thin-film photovoltaic technology beyond low Earth orbit (LEO), with campaigns scheduled for medium Earth orbit, geostationary orbit, and other high-energy environments.
The Thornton, Colorado-based company said the characterization campaigns are set to conclude in the fourth quarter of 2026. The initiative follows prior NASA testing in LEO, which demonstrated the technology’s self-annealing properties—allowing recovery from radiation exposure. The new research will assess whether similar resilience extends to more demanding radiation conditions.
Ascent Solar’s flexible thin-film modules are already deployed in space missions, airborne vehicles, agrivoltaic installations, and commercial construction projects. The company manufactures its solutions at a research and development center and a 5-MW production facility in Colorado.
The testing aligns with growing demand for durable, high-performance solar solutions in emerging space markets, including on-orbit servicing and assembly, space-based solar power, and orbital data centers. CEO Paul Warley noted that mission operators are prioritizing technologies that mitigate risk and enhance long-term performance.
