DragonSCALES solar modules

Why it matters

Satellite constellations need solar arrays for hundreds of spacecraft. mPower says its modules use low-cost, readily available equipment and materials and are built on an automated line, which it says lowers production and integration costs.

How the technology works

DragonSCALES use silicon solar cells in a patented, pre-wired mesh that mPower says is flexible, tolerates shading and isolates faults. Contract manufacturer Universal Instruments builds them on an automated line in Conklin, New York.

The technology was originally developed at Sandia National Laboratories.