Power from the Cosmos: How NASA and Ascent Solar’s Thin-Film Arrays Are Transforming Space-to-Earth Energy Transmission

• Space-Based Solar Power: Market Landscape and Emerging Demand
• Advancements in Thin-Film Solar Arrays and Wireless Power Transmission
• Key Players and Strategic Collaborations in Space-to-Earth Energy
• Projected Expansion and Investment Opportunities in Space Power Transmission
• Global Hotspots and Regional Initiatives in Space-Based Energy
• Next-Generation Innovations and the Road Ahead for Space-to-Earth Power
• Barriers, Breakthroughs, and Strategic Opportunities in Space Energy Transmission
• Sources & References

“The summer of 2025 brought a surge of activity in digital health and telemedicine.” (source)

Space-Based Solar Power: Market Landscape and Emerging Demand

Space-based solar power (SBSP) is rapidly transitioning from theoretical concept to practical demonstration, with recent advances highlighting its market potential. A landmark development is the collaboration between NASA and Ascent Solar Technologies, which centers on thin-film photovoltaic (PV) arrays designed for efficient power generation and wireless transmission from orbit to Earth. This partnership is part of NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate initiative, aiming to validate the feasibility of beaming solar energy collected in space directly to terrestrial receivers.

Ascent Solar’s thin-film arrays leverage lightweight, flexible materials—primarily CIGS (copper indium gallium selenide)—which are well-suited for deployment in the harsh environment of space. These arrays offer a high power-to-weight ratio, crucial for minimizing launch costs and maximizing energy yield. In 2023, Ascent Solar reported that its latest modules achieved efficiencies exceeding 17%, with ongoing research targeting 20% and above (Ascent Solar).

The market landscape for SBSP is being shaped by growing global demand for clean, reliable energy and the limitations of terrestrial solar installations, such as weather dependency and land use. According to a 2023 MarketsandMarkets report, the SBSP market is projected to reach $4.5 billion by 2030, driven by government investments and private sector innovation. The U.S., China, and Japan are leading the charge, with Japan’s JAXA targeting a pilot SBSP system by the mid-2030s (JAXA).

• Technical Milestones: NASA and Ascent Solar’s demonstration will test the end-to-end process: solar collection, conversion to microwaves or lasers, and safe transmission to ground-based receivers.
• Commercial Implications: Success could unlock new revenue streams for satellite manufacturers, launch providers, and energy utilities, while supporting grid resilience and remote power delivery.
• Challenges: Regulatory hurdles, transmission efficiency, and public acceptance of wireless power beaming remain key obstacles.

In summary, the NASA × Ascent Solar thin-film array project is a pivotal step toward commercial SBSP, with the potential to transform the global energy market by providing continuous, space-derived power to Earth. As technical and regulatory barriers are addressed, the sector is poised for significant growth and investment.

Advancements in Thin-Film Solar Arrays and Wireless Power Transmission

NASA’s collaboration with Ascent Solar Technologies marks a significant leap in the pursuit of space-based solar power (SBSP), leveraging advanced thin-film solar arrays to enable wireless power transmission from orbit to Earth. In 2023, Ascent Solar was awarded a contract by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center to develop ultra-lightweight, flexible thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules specifically designed for space applications (NASA). These arrays, made from copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), offer high efficiency (up to 17.8% in lab settings) and exceptional durability, making them ideal for deployment on satellites and large orbital platforms.

The core innovation lies in the combination of these thin-film arrays with wireless power transmission (WPT) technology. The concept involves collecting solar energy in space—where sunlight is constant and unfiltered by the atmosphere—and converting it into microwaves or laser beams. These beams are then transmitted to ground-based receivers, known as rectennas, which convert the energy back into usable electricity (NREL).

• Lightweight and Flexible: Ascent’s thin-film modules weigh less than 1 kg/m², a fraction of traditional silicon panels, drastically reducing launch costs and enabling larger arrays in orbit.
• High Power Density: The arrays can generate over 200 watts per kilogram, a critical metric for maximizing energy yield per launch mass (Ascent Solar).
• Durability: CIGS thin films are resistant to radiation and temperature extremes, ensuring long operational lifespans in the harsh space environment.

Recent demonstrations, such as the Caltech Space Solar Power Project’s successful transmission of power from space to Earth in 2023 (Caltech), underscore the feasibility of this approach. NASA and Ascent Solar’s efforts are now focused on scaling up these technologies, with the goal of deploying multi-megawatt arrays capable of beaming clean, renewable energy to terrestrial grids—potentially revolutionizing global energy access and resilience.

Key Players and Strategic Collaborations in Space-to-Earth Energy

The pursuit of space-based solar power (SBSP) has accelerated in recent years, with NASA and private sector innovators like Ascent Solar Technologies at the forefront. Their collaboration on thin-film photovoltaic arrays marks a pivotal step toward realizing the vision of beaming solar energy from orbit to Earth, potentially revolutionizing global energy supply.

NASA’s Role and Vision

• NASA has long championed SBSP as a means to provide continuous, renewable energy unaffected by terrestrial weather or day-night cycles. The agency’s Space-Based Solar Power Project explores advanced technologies for collecting and transmitting solar energy from space.
• In 2023, NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program funded several SBSP studies, including those focused on wireless power transmission and ultra-lightweight solar arrays.

Ascent Solar’s Thin-Film Technology

• Ascent Solar Technologies specializes in CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) thin-film solar modules, which are flexible, lightweight, and highly efficient—key attributes for space deployment.
• In 2023, Ascent Solar announced a partnership with NASA to develop and test thin-film arrays for SBSP applications, aiming to maximize power-to-weight ratios and withstand the harsh space environment (Ascent Solar News).

Strategic Collaboration and Demonstration

• The NASA × Ascent Solar project focuses on integrating thin-film arrays with wireless power transmission systems, such as microwave or laser beaming, to deliver energy to ground-based receivers.
• Recent laboratory demonstrations have shown promising results, with Ascent’s arrays achieving power conversion efficiencies above 15% and maintaining performance after simulated space exposure (PV Tech).
• Field tests are planned for late 2024, with the goal of validating end-to-end energy beaming from a high-altitude platform, setting the stage for future orbital demonstrations.

Market and Industry Impact

• The global SBSP market is projected to reach $900 million by 2030, driven by government investments and private sector innovation.
• NASA and Ascent Solar’s collaboration is expected to catalyze further partnerships, accelerate technology readiness, and position the U.S. as a leader in space-to-Earth energy transmission.

Projected Expansion and Investment Opportunities in Space Power Transmission

The collaboration between NASA and Ascent Solar Technologies marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of space-based solar power (SBSP), particularly in the context of beaming energy from orbit to Earth. Ascent Solar’s ultra-lightweight, flexible thin-film photovoltaic arrays are being developed for deployment on satellites and space stations, with the goal of capturing solar energy in space and transmitting it wirelessly to terrestrial receivers. This technology could revolutionize global energy markets by providing continuous, renewable power unaffected by weather or day-night cycles.

Recent demonstrations have shown the feasibility of wireless power transmission (WPT) from space. In 2023, the California Institute of Technology’s Space Solar Power Demonstrator (SSPD-1) successfully transmitted power wirelessly in space, a significant step toward practical SBSP (Caltech). NASA’s partnership with Ascent Solar leverages the latter’s CIGS (copper-indium-gallium-selenide) thin-film technology, which boasts high efficiency and radiation resistance, making it ideal for the harsh space environment (NASA).

Market analysts project robust growth in the SBSP sector. According to a 2023 report, the global space-based solar power market is expected to reach $902 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2023 (MarketsandMarkets). The increasing demand for clean energy and advancements in lightweight solar materials are key drivers. Ascent Solar’s arrays, which can be rolled and deployed in orbit, reduce launch costs and enable larger collection surfaces, making commercial SBSP more viable.

Investment opportunities are emerging across the value chain:

• Satellite Manufacturing: Companies developing deployable solar arrays and power beaming modules are attracting venture capital and government contracts.
• Ground Infrastructure: Firms specializing in rectennas (receiving antennas) and grid integration are poised for growth as terrestrial receiving stations become necessary.
• Energy Utilities: Utilities are exploring partnerships to secure future SBSP supply, hedging against terrestrial generation volatility.

As NASA and Ascent Solar advance their thin-film array technology, the stage is set for a new era of space-to-Earth power transmission. Early investors and innovators in this sector stand to benefit from the convergence of aerospace engineering and renewable energy, as the dream of beaming watts down from orbit moves closer to reality.

Global Hotspots and Regional Initiatives in Space-Based Energy

Space-based solar power (SBSP) has long been a visionary solution to Earth’s growing energy demands, and recent developments are bringing this concept closer to reality. In 2024, NASA partnered with Ascent Solar Technologies to test advanced thin-film photovoltaic arrays designed for efficient power generation and wireless transmission from orbit to ground. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the global race to harness solar energy in space and beam it down to Earth, potentially revolutionizing the renewable energy landscape.

Ascent Solar’s thin-film arrays are notable for their lightweight, flexible design and high efficiency, making them ideal for deployment in the harsh environment of space. These arrays are being tested as part of NASA’s Space-Based Solar Power Project, which aims to demonstrate the feasibility of collecting solar energy in orbit and transmitting it wirelessly—typically via microwave or laser beams—to terrestrial receivers. The technology could deliver continuous, weather-independent power, addressing intermittency issues faced by ground-based solar farms.

Globally, interest in SBSP is surging. Japan’s METI and the European Space Agency’s SOLARIS initiative are investing heavily in similar technologies, but the NASA × Ascent Solar project stands out for its focus on scalable, manufacturable thin-film solutions. In 2023, Ascent Solar reported a 17.55% efficiency for its flexible CIGS (copper indium gallium selenide) modules, a record for this class of technology (Ascent Solar News).

• Key Advantages: Thin-film arrays are lighter and more adaptable than traditional silicon panels, reducing launch costs and enabling larger, modular power stations in orbit.
• Transmission Milestones: NASA’s ongoing tests include beaming small amounts of power over short distances, with plans to scale up to multi-kilowatt demonstrations in the coming years (NASA Feature).
• Global Implications: If successful, this technology could provide clean, dispatchable energy to remote or disaster-stricken regions, supporting both civilian and defense applications.

As the NASA × Ascent Solar partnership advances, it is setting technical and commercial benchmarks for SBSP, positioning the U.S. as a leader in the emerging space-to-Earth energy market.

Next-Generation Innovations and the Road Ahead for Space-to-Earth Power

Space-based solar power (SBSP) has long been a visionary concept, but recent advances are bringing it closer to reality. A key milestone is the collaboration between NASA and Ascent Solar Technologies, which is pioneering the use of thin-film photovoltaic arrays for efficient power generation and wireless transmission from space to Earth. This partnership is part of NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate’s efforts to develop next-generation energy solutions for both terrestrial and extraterrestrial applications.

Ascent Solar’s thin-film arrays are made from lightweight, flexible materials such as CIGS (copper indium gallium selenide), which offer significant advantages over traditional silicon-based solar panels. These arrays can be rolled, folded, and deployed in large areas with minimal mass—a critical factor for space launches. According to Ascent Solar, their modules achieve power-to-weight ratios exceeding 1,000 W/kg, compared to 200-300 W/kg for conventional panels, making them ideal for orbital deployment.

The next step is transmitting the harvested energy back to Earth. NASA and its partners are exploring microwave and laser-based wireless power transmission. In 2023, the Caltech Space Solar Power Project successfully demonstrated wireless power beaming from space to a receiver on Earth, marking a significant proof of concept. NASA’s roadmap includes scaling up these demonstrations, improving conversion efficiencies, and addressing atmospheric interference to ensure reliable, high-capacity energy delivery.

• Efficiency Gains: Thin-film arrays can be manufactured at scale and tailored for high efficiency in the space environment, with ongoing research targeting conversion rates above 30% (NREL).
• Deployment Potential: The lightweight nature of thin-film modules allows for the launch of larger arrays, potentially generating gigawatts of power in orbit.
• Transmission Challenges: Key hurdles include minimizing energy loss during beaming and ensuring safety for both space assets and populations on Earth.

Looking ahead, the NASA × Ascent Solar initiative is setting the stage for commercial-scale SBSP. If technical and regulatory challenges are overcome, space-to-Earth power transmission could become a cornerstone of the global clean energy mix by the 2030s, providing continuous, weather-independent electricity (IEA).

Barriers, Breakthroughs, and Strategic Opportunities in Space Energy Transmission

The concept of transmitting solar energy collected in space directly to Earth—known as space-based solar power (SBSP)—has long been a tantalizing solution to the world’s growing energy needs. Recent developments, particularly the collaboration between NASA and Ascent Solar Technologies, are pushing this vision closer to reality. Their work on thin-film photovoltaic arrays is a significant step toward efficient, lightweight, and scalable space-to-Earth power transmission systems.

• Barriers: The primary challenges in SBSP include the high cost of launching and deploying large solar arrays, the need for ultra-lightweight and durable materials, and the safe, efficient transmission of energy—typically via microwave or laser beams—through Earth’s atmosphere. Regulatory hurdles and public concerns about the safety of beamed energy also persist. According to a NASA report, the cost per kilogram to low Earth orbit remains a limiting factor, though it is decreasing with new launch technologies.
• Breakthroughs: Ascent Solar’s thin-film CIGS (copper indium gallium selenide) photovoltaic technology offers a game-changing solution. These flexible, lightweight panels can be rolled for compact launch and then unfurled in orbit, dramatically reducing mass and volume compared to traditional silicon-based panels. In 2023, NASA selected Ascent Solar for its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to develop these arrays for space applications, citing their high power-to-weight ratio and resilience in harsh environments.
• Strategic Opportunities: The successful demonstration of thin-film arrays in space opens the door to large-scale SBSP systems. These could provide continuous, weather-independent power to remote or disaster-stricken areas, supplement terrestrial grids, and support lunar or Martian outposts. The U.S. Department of Defense has also shown interest, funding projects like the Air Force Research Laboratory’s power beaming experiments. Commercial players, including Northrop Grumman and Japan’s JAXA, are also investing in SBSP, signaling a growing market and potential for public-private partnerships.

As NASA and Ascent Solar advance thin-film array technology, the prospect of beaming clean, renewable energy from space to Earth is becoming increasingly viable. Overcoming technical and regulatory barriers will be crucial, but the strategic opportunities for energy security and sustainability are immense.

Sources & References

• Beaming the Watts Down: NASA × Ascent Solar’s Thin-Film Array Sets the Stage for Space-to-Earth Power Transmission
• Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program
• MarketsandMarkets
• JAXA
• NREL
• Caltech Space Solar Power Project
• PV Tech
• SOLARIS initiative
• IEA