A Tempe-based company that produces solar cells to power satellites was awarded over a million dollars by the Department of the Air Force to help develop solar panels for small satellites.
The funding comes as the Trump administration has cut billions of dollars in federal grants for scientific research.
Solestial was awarded the money to develop the ability to produce and assemble solar arrays for small satellites within a month. That’s a process that can take years to accomplish.
The award allows the company to go straight to the prototype phase so that the company can start developing the products.
“I think national security will remain well funded," said Stan Herasimenka, chief technology officer and cofounder of Solestial.
He says the company’s ability to make the arrays so quickly gave them an edge to get government funding.
“This manufacturing capability, which is quite unique in the country, so we built our production line, we developed the technology which stands us out from the competition," he said.
Herasimenka says the manufacturing will take place next year.
