Prepare for launch

Human activities in space have been solar powered for more than 70 years. Now, as the space industry accelerates, new opportunities are emerging for specialized solar manufacturers, writes Jake Veloza of Eternal Sun Wavelabs. The extreme and unforgiving conditions of space demand a high level of performance and durability, and accurate testing methods will be needed to get these new solutions off the ground.

Issue 04-2026 Issue 2026

US Naval Research Laboratory engineers place the first solar-powered satellite, Vanguard 1, atop the third stage of the launching vehicle in March 1958.

Image: Naval Research Laboratory, Wikimedia Commons

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