The CubeSat Hardware Developer Kit packages Ascent Solar's flexible CIGS thin-film technology into body-mountable and folding solar arrays for 0.5U–6U CubeSat form factors, optimized for 28 V bus architectures.
CubeSat HDK Solar Array
The CubeSat Hardware Developer Kit packages Ascent Solar's flexible CIGS thin-film technology into body-mountable and folding solar arrays for 0.5U–6U CubeSat form factors, optimized for 28 V bus architectures.
Description
The Ascent Solar CubeSat HDK is a turn-key solar power generation solution designed to fit the demanding size, weight, and power constraints of CubeSat missions. Based on Ascent's Titan CIGS thin-film modules, the HDK is available as 28 V body-mountable and folding deployable arrays in 0.5U, 1U, 3U, and 6U heights.
The HDK is validated through collaborations with NASA and JAXA — including space-rated encapsulation demonstrated on-orbit aboard the ISS (MISSE-10) and on the Momentus Vigoride-6 mission (TRL 9). With Plug & Fly solar integration, the CubeSat HDK eliminates the need for spacecraft integrators to pick, place, wire, solder, and test individual solar cells. Even after impact from micrometeorites or orbital debris, the CIGS film continues to generate reduced power rather than failing catastrophically.
Specifications
| Form Factors | 0.5U, 1U, 3U, 6U |
|---|---|
| Array Configurations | Body-mountable and folding deployable |
| Bus Voltage | 28 V |
| Technology | CIGS thin-film (Titan modules) |
| Specific Power | >2000 W/kg (bare modules) |
| AM0 Efficiency | 15.7% (production scale) |
| Space Flight Heritage | TRL 9 (Momentus Vigoride-6, MISSE-10 ISS) |
| Lead Time | 6–8 weeks |
| Integration | Plug & Fly – pre-integrated and pre-tested |
