U.S. Military to Benefit from Drone Tech Agreement with NovaSpark Energy, Plus Longer NASA Space Missions via Solar Power Leader: Ascent Solar $ASTI
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THORNTON, Colo. - illiNews -- Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (N A S D A Q: ASTI), a leading innovator in flexible, high-performance thin-film solar technology, is rapidly strengthening its position as a key player in the global clean energy and defense markets through a series of strategic partnerships aimed at revolutionizing power delivery in both terrestrial and space environments.

Backed by 40 years of R&D, 15 years of manufacturing expertise, and a robust portfolio of patents and IP, Ascent Solar continues to expand its reach into high-growth sectors including defense, aerospace, energy storage, and oceanic exploration—areas where lightweight, durable, and resilient power solutions are essential.

Powering the Next Generation of Military Drones

On November 12, Ascent Solar announced a teaming agreement with NovaSpark Energy, a pioneer in mobile hydrogen generation systems, to co-develop lightweight, reliable energy solutions for U.S. military and defense applications.

This collaboration combines ASTI's lightweight thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules with NovaSpark's mobile hydrogen systems to enable on-demand, deployable clean energy for drone fleets, battlefield operations, and emergency response missions. The partnership allows for rapid airdrop deployment of mobile hydrogen units capable of powering equipment for the U.S. Army, Marines, Navy, and other defense entities.

By merging solar and hydrogen technologies, ASTI and NovaSpark will deliver sustainable, high-efficiency energy to remote and austere environments—further positioning ASTI as a trusted partner in defense innovation.

Extending NASA and Space Missions with CisLunar Industries

Earlier this month, Ascent Solar announced a teaming agreement with CisLunar Industries, a Colorado-based leader in power conversion and conditioning for space systems.

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Together, the companies aim to create durable, long-lasting energy solutions that extend spacecraft mission lifespans for agencies including NASA, the Department of Defense, and the U.S. Space Force. ASTI's flexible thin-film PV panels, paired with CisLunar's high-efficiency power conversion systems, will help enable longer and more resilient missions, a critical factor in the fast-growing space economy.

This partnership underscores ASTI's ability to deliver flight-proven solar power solutions that meet the demanding standards of modern space operations.

Thin-Film PV for Extreme Environments: From Deep Oceans to Outer Space

Ascent Solar's technology is not only being tested in orbit but also in one of Earth's harshest environments — the ocean.

On October 14, ASTI delivered thin-film PV test samples to a developer of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) designed for deep-ocean exploration. These vehicles require power sources that can endure high pressure, saltwater exposure, and long mission durations.

Additionally, ASTI supplied materials to a space-based power beaming company, which is evaluating the technology's ability to receive transmitted solar energy between satellites — a futuristic step toward the development of in-space power grids.

Strategic Partnership with Defiant Space Corp.

On September 17, ASTI entered into a strategic partnership with Defiant Space Corp., a company specializing in scalable defense and national security technologies.

This collaboration combines ASTI's space-proven solar power technology with Defiant's expertise in mission-focused defense systems, targeting the growing need for resilient, dual-use energy solutions. Together, the companies will pursue opportunities not only in the U.S. but also across NATO and Five Eyes allied markets, where energy independence and operational resilience are top priorities.

Energy Storage Innovation: Teaming with Emtel Energy USA

On September 16, ASTI signed an agreement with Emtel Energy USA, a leader in graphene-based long-duration energy storage.

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By pairing Emtel's next-generation electrostatic solid-state storage with ASTI's thin-film PV, the companies aim to enhance the performance and longevity of satellite and spacecraft energy systems. The collaboration addresses one of space exploration's most pressing challenges: reliable, lightweight, and efficient power storage.

Building the Future of Space Power with Star Catcher Industries

On August 28, Ascent Solar executed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Star Catcher Industries, the company behind the world's first space-to-space power beaming network.

Star Catcher's system transmits concentrated solar energy directly to satellites' existing onboard arrays — increasing available power by five to ten times without requiring hardware retrofits. This MOU will integrate ASTI's high-performance thin-film solar technology into next-generation space energy infrastructure, further solidifying its role as a cornerstone in the emerging orbital power economy.

Strong Growth Outlook

Ascent Solar projects 2026 revenue between $5 million and $20 million, and 2027 revenue between $25 million and $40 million, reflecting its accelerating expansion across multiple high-value markets.

With applications spanning space, air, sea, and land, ASTI's technology is redefining how and where solar power can be used — from space missions and defense systems to agrivoltaics, industrial infrastructure, and consumer products.

About Ascent Solar Technologies (N A S D A Q: ASTI)

Headquartered in Thornton, Colorado, Ascent Solar Technologies is a global leader in thin-film photovoltaic innovation. The company's proprietary, lightweight solar technology is engineered for performance in extreme environments — where mass, reliability, and resilience matter most.

ASTI's 5-MW production facility and R&D center continue to deliver cutting-edge solutions for space exploration, defense, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

For more information, visit www.ascentsolar.com

Media Contact:
Paul Warley, CEO
📧 sales@ascentsolar.com
📞 (720) 872-5000

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