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Solar
In March 1958, the first solar array in space was launched on the US satellite Vanguard 1. Since the 1950s, solar power evolution has progressed due to technological breakthroughs in silicon, panel placements, temperature resistant advancement, and the overall durability of these panels. In addition to using silicon, scientists have discovered that adding a layer of minerals known as perovskites can dramatically improve panel efficiency to capture more light and therefore produce more energy.
From this point, power demands for space vehicles increased quite a bit, pushing innovators to begin coming up with ways to increase space solar capabilities and resiliency without adding excessive weight. There are now solar PV solutions that are lightweight and flexible, which can be bent and folded without producing any space junk, when hit. These panels don’ t shatter if struck by orbiting debris, making it a more secure choice long-term. There are also options such as the solar sail system that use the pressure of light instead of photovoltaics. Resilient technologies for outer space innovation build-out is vital for growth and progression. ■
Paul Warley www. ascentsolar. com
Paul Warley is the CEO of Ascent Solar. Before joining Ascent Solar, he started Warley & Company LLC in 2015 and was the president from 2015 to 2022, offering strategic consulting, executive management services, capital advisory, and M & A to middle-market companies in the service, construction, technology, oil & gas, clean energy, food, retail and green-building sectors. newenergy-today. com 21