NASA Based Thin Film Space PV Testing Expansion to Meet Rising Requests for Solar Solutions in Multiple Orbital Environments: Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: ASTI)

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$ASTI is Accelerating Development of Drone Technology Applications as Global Demand Continues to Grow
THORNTON, Colo. - Aug. 21, 2026 - Thin-Film Space PV Testing Program Broadens to Expand on NASA's Results as Demand Grows for Multi-Orbit Solar Solutions.

Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: ASTI) announced plans to expand testing of its CIGS PV technology beyond low Earth orbit (LEO) as Company leadership has received an increase in requests for solar solutions capable of supporting missions across multiple orbital environments. ASTI is preparing a series of in-house characterization campaigns designed to validate the survivability and performance of its thin-film solar technology in increasingly challenging space conditions, concluding in Q4 2026.

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Previous NASA testing in LEO demonstrated CIGS PV's potential to recover from radiation exposure through its self-annealing properties, a phenomenon described in scholarly journals as "RemarkableRecovery." Now, ASTI is extending that research to determine whether that same recovery is possible in the more demanding radiation environments of medium Earth orbit (MEO), geostationary orbit (GEO) and other high-energy orbits, to bolster the qualifications of its thin-film solar products for an expanding range of space applications.

Ascent Solar Technologies Meets Growing Drone Market Demand; Reinforces Primary Space Industry Focus

ASTI has emphasized its continued commitment to providing durable, reliable solar solutions to the space market, and expanded on its entry into the unmanned systems market as global demand rapidly grows. This objective underscores the ASTI strategy of expanding the spectrum of commercial opportunities for its thin-film offerings while maintaining its paramount focus on space applications.

The ASTI commitment to the rapidly growing space economy is demonstrated by its participation in new orbital missions, such as the recent integration of its thin-film solar products into Reditus Space's ENOS spacecraft, which is scheduled for launch this fall. In addition, ASTI received an order for 100 modules for a satellite which will manufacture components in space. Both of these could lead to annual recurring business of 10 to 25 KW.

With respect to the drone market, ASTI is currently experiencing accelerated demand from unmanned aerial and marine systems industries, as its technology's uniquely high power-to-weight ratio offers major operational advantages. ASTI is also working with a European organization to supply its products for integration into a high-altitude platform station (HAPS) project, expecting to deliver an initial 250-watt sub-array by the end of the summer. These endeavors represent additional customer adoption milestones in the ASTI ongoing work to provide lightweight, resilient solar power solutions at high altitudes.

ASTI has received orders from two Eastern European drone manufacturers that will integrate ASTI products into aircraft wing designs. These initial orders have the potential to become recurring business, reaching between 200KW-300KW of product demand annually. ASTI leadership is also actively engaged in discussions with two US-based drone manufacturers around future opportunities to supply its solar products.

Additionally, ASTI has secured product orders from two unmanned marine vehicle (UMV) companies; one global manufacturer and the other US-based. This expansion into applying its solar products to UMVs illustrates the versatility of ASTI technology across many drone market verticals. These initial orders have the potential to become recurring business, reaching between 125KW-200KW of product demand annually.

H1 2026 Achievements and Milestones Plus Strategic Goals for Continued Corporate Development

ASTI recapped its commercial progress and solar material development in the first half of 2026, and outlined its objectives to spur growth and advancement throughout the second half of the year.

Key ASTI milestones and achievements include:

Entering the year by rapidly completing prepaid orders for customers looking to use Ascent's thin-film PV in space, HAPS/HALE, and unique terrestrial applications;

Completing Atomic Oxygen exposure testing on ASTI space solar products, which did not incur any damage during the testing process with 1 mil FEP as the primary barrier and encapsulant.

Continuing development of ASTI PV modules' space beaming capabilities to address the growing market demand for power beaming and receiving technologies in space.

ASTI CEO Paul Warley conducting business travel to Europe, in addition to attending 2026 SATShow and 2026 SOF Conference, where he liaised with strategic industry players to establish potential partnerships and secured several viable commercial leads.

Closing an up to $25 million private placement.

Increasing ASTI industry presence through features in relevant and prominent media outlets.

Thin-Film Space Solar Products Experience Zero Damage in Atomic Oxygen Exposure Test Campaign

ASTI announced the results of its preliminary Atomic Oxygen (AO) exposure testing for its space grade thin-film PV products. Testing has shown significant resilience to Atomic Oxygen in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO).

AO is a highly reactive and energetic particle that is the most predominant in LEO. Interaction with AO causes damage to many materials in the form of shrinking, cracking, erosion and oxidation. Specialty coatings and chemical treatments are often the most effective approach to enhancing the resilience of space faring polymers, metal surfaces and composites.

In LEO, AO often degrades solar arrays by eroding the polymers used in blanket construction, which hampers their flexibility and exposes their electrical components to damage, and oxidizing metallic interconnects. AO can directly interact with compounds that cover the solar cells, causing oxidation that reduces their transmission of light to the photoactive portion of the cell, ultimately yielding less power over time.

Producing PV Blankets for NOVI AI Pathfinder Spacecraft.

Participation in New Orbital Missions Including Integration of Thin-Film Solar Products Into Reditus Space's ENOS Spacecraft.

Working with a European Organization to Supply its Products for Integration into a High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) Project.

Orders from Two Eastern European Drone Manufacturers to Integrate ASTI Products Into Aircraft Wing Designs.

Orders from Two Unmanned Marine Vehicle (UMV) Companies; One Global Manufacturer and One US-Based.

H.C. WAINWRIGHT & CO. has issued a new research report on ASTI which can be accessed via the following link: https://hcwco.bluematrix.com/links2/secure/pdf/0999ade5-cfc3-4d13-9508-0f48b1ce8061

Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc.

ASTI: Price: $3.17; Market Cap (M): $35 Rating: Buy; Price Target: $20.00

About Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc.

Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. is a U.S. solar technology company specializing in lightweight, flexible, and reliable photovoltaic modules for specialized energy applications. The company spun off from ITN Energy Systems in 2005 and has developed extensive experience in thin film solar manufacturing. Its proprietary CIGS technology on a polyimide substrate enables flexible, monolithically integrated solar modules designed for demanding environments. Ascent Solar is focused on advancing solar technology for space and near space, UAV and defense, agrivoltaic, and specialty markets.

For more information on $ASTI visit: https://www.ascentsolar.com, https://compasslivemedia.com/asti/

Email: sales@ascentsolar.com

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Company Name: Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc
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