Most people talk about space power like it’s a solved problem. Big arrays, rigid panels, high-efficiency silicon; the same architecture we’ve been flying for decades.
But the more you look at where national security and commercial space are headed, the clearer it becomes: our power systems weren’t designed for the missions we’re trying to execute today.
Space is no longer a passive environment. It’s dynamic, congested, competitive, and increasingly contested. If you’re operating a satellite that needs to reposition, evade, maneu...
Most people talk about space power like it’s a solved problem. Big arrays, rigid panels, high-efficiency silicon; the same architecture we’ve been flying for decades.
But the more you look at where national security and commercial space are headed, the clearer it becomes: our power systems weren’t designed for the missions we’re trying to execute today.
Space is no longer a passive environment. It’s dynamic, congested, competitive, and increasingly contested. If you’re operating a satellite that needs to reposition, evade, maneuver, or maintain persistent awareness over the oceans, every kilogram of mass and every square inch of surface area starts to matter. Traditional solar arrays generate plenty of power, but they come with a hidden cost: fragility, deployment complexity, and a form factor that locks spacecraft into decisions they can’t easily undo.
Thin-film solar panels change that.
When you can generate meaningful power without rigid wings. When your power source can be wrapped around a body, integrated into a surface, or rolled out without fear of shattering, Maneuverability becomes an asset instead of a liability.
High-radiation orbits are more viable, high-voltage architectures make sense, and persistent maritime sensing becomes more realistic. And the same characteristics that matter in orbit start unlocking terrestrial defense applications as well.
What are some of the new opportunities arising for thin-film solar? How are they able to ability to fulfill smaller, specialized, high-value orders quickly?
In this episode, I sit down with the CEO of Ascent Solar, Paul Warley. We talk about how thin-film is reshaping what’s possible in orbit, why defense customers are paying attention, and how a microcap manufacturer found itself aligned with some of the biggest trends in national security and space power.
You’ll also learn;
- Why maneuverability is becoming the real strategic advantage in orbit
- How thin-film’s flexibility and high-voltage capability unlock new spacecraft architectures
- Why reaching 12–13% efficiency is a tipping point that suddenly makes thin-film viable for LEO, MEO, and even high-radiation GEO missions.
- How defense customers are rethinking power as mission profiles shift
- Why thin-film’s resilience in high-radiation and atomic oxygen environments gives it advantages that silicon can’t match.
- What the increasing launch cadence means for power requirements, mass budgets, and the economics of spacecraft design.
- How decades of sunk R&D and process knowledge create a moat that would be difficult and expensive for new entrants to replicate.
- Where Paul sees thin-film fitting into the future of both defense and space operations, from niche platforms to major programs.
About the Guest
Paul Warley is the President and CEO of Ascent Solar, a small microcap company in Colorado. Ascent’s thin-film is the solar power solution for scenarios where traditional rigid panels won't work. Ascent brings together 20+ years of R&D, 17 years of manufacturing experience, numerous awards, and a comprehensive IP and patent portfolio to cement its leadership in the photovoltaics market. To learn more, visit https://ascentsolar.com/.
About Your Host
Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker, and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers, and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years’ experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women’s Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.
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