"Solar Glitter" Makes Its Mark On The Space Solar Race

The article discusses recent advancements and growing momentum in space-based solar power technologies, highlighting the innovative "solar glitter" concept developed by the US startup mPower. Originating from research at Sandia National Laboratory in 2009, this technology involves crystalline silicon solar particles designed to be lighter and more efficient than traditional solar panels. mPower, which commercialized this technology under the name DragonSCALES, recently secured over $24 million in Series B funding, including a strategic investment from Lockheed Martin Ventures. This funding aims to scale up production to meet rising demand, with notable aerospace companies such as Airbus, Blue Origin/Honeybee, Firefly Aerospace, Lynk Global, and Gravitics expressing interest or already deploying DragonSCALES. The article also notes broader activity in the space solar sector, with other startups like Solestial and Ascent Solar Technologies making strides. Solestial entered a partnership with NASA’s Glenn Research Center to develop resilient solar arrays, while Ascent has provided sample modules to