Defense & Space Strategy Strengthens as New Leadership Builds on NASA Results and Expanding Multi-Orbit Opportunities for Ascent Solar Technologies
Sep 9, 2026
THORNTON, Colo. - Sept. 9, 2026 - PRLog -- Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (N A S D A Q: ASTI) continues to build a potentially differentiated position at the intersection of space technology, advanced solar power, national defense and autonomous systems, and today's announcement adds another important piece to that strategy.
The company announced the appointment of Tom Bawol as Director of Strategic Sales & Market Development and LTG. Steve Smith as Strategic Advisor to Ascent's Strategic Advisory Board. Together, the appointments bring decades of military leadership, strategic planning, government relationships, operational management and business-development experience to Ascent as it seeks to expand the commercial reach of its proprietary thin-film photovoltaic technology.
For investors, the timing is particularly interesting.
Today's leadership expansion comes only weeks after Ascent announced that it is broadening its space photovoltaic testing program beyond Low Earth Orbit, building upon encouraging NASA testing and moving toward qualification in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), Geostationary Orbit (GEO) and other high-energy orbital environments.
Investor Highlights
- Today's appointments strengthen ASTI's defense and government-market expertise
- Tom Bawol brings more than 20 years of U.S. Army Special Forces leadership
- LTG. Steve Smith joins as a Strategic Advisor following senior U.S. Army leadership roles
- NASA-related testing demonstrated potential radiation recovery through CIGS self-annealing
- ASTI is expanding testing into MEO, GEO and other high-energy orbits
- June Atomic Oxygen testing showed zero power loss under the company's six-month LEO-equivalent test conditions
- ASTI continues developing space-based power-beaming technology with NASA centers
- Thin-film PV blankets have been integrated into the NOVI N-1 ATLAS spacecraft
- New opportunities are developing across drones, HAPS/HALE and unmanned marine systems
- The company has a 5-MW nameplate production facility in Thornton, Colorado
- ASTI says it has approximately 40 years of R&D and 15 years of manufacturing experience
Today's News: Defense and Commercial Expertise Moves to the Forefront
Today's announcement is significant because Ascent is not simply adding corporate executives—it is adding people with experience in precisely the types of markets where the company's technology could have strategic value.
Tom Bawol, the company's new Director of Strategic Sales & Market Development, spent more than 20 years as a leader in U.S. Army Special Forces. His background includes complex operations, partnership development and working with government, defense and commercial stakeholders. He has also gained private-sector experience in energy infrastructure and federal technology sales.
Bawol will focus on identifying and developing commercial opportunities and strategic relationships for Ascent's thin-film photovoltaic technology.
LTG. Steve Smith, meanwhile, joins the Strategic Advisory Board as Strategic Advisor. His military career included senior leadership involving large-scale operations, logistics, technology integration and multinational partnerships. More recently, he served as Deputy Commanding General of Western Hemisphere Command, where he oversaw approximately 700,000 personnel and a $4.8 billion budget.
For ASTI, this experience could be particularly valuable as the company seeks to expand into defense and government-related applications.
NASA Remains a Major Part of the ASTI Story
One of the most compelling elements of the current Ascent Solar investment story is its continuing work related to NASA and advanced space-power technology.
In February, ASTI announced plans to continue developing CIGS photovoltaic modules designed for space-based energy beaming, including continued work with NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and Glenn Research Center.
The objective is to develop photovoltaic technology capable of receiving distributed power from sources beyond conventional sunlight—an area that could become increasingly important as space-based infrastructure develops.
ASTI has specifically identified emerging markets such as orbital data centers, in-space manufacturing and other high-power orbital applications as potential beneficiaries of advanced space power-beaming technology.
NASA Results Now Lead to MEO and GEO Testing
The NASA connection becomes even more interesting when combined with the company's August 18 announcement.
ASTI said previous NASA testing in Low Earth Orbit demonstrated the potential for its CIGS photovoltaic technology to recover from radiation exposure through self-annealing, a phenomenon described in scholarly literature as "Remarkable Recovery."
Now, the company is taking that research further.
ASTI is preparing in-house characterization campaigns to determine whether similar radiation-recovery characteristics can occur in the much more demanding environments of MEO, GEO and other high-energy orbits.
The expanded testing program is expected to continue through Q4 2026.
Why does that matter?
Because the next generation of space infrastructure may not be confined to traditional LEO satellites. Emerging markets involving on-orbit servicing and assembly, space-based solar power, orbital data centers and advanced manufacturing could require solar systems capable of operating reliably under significantly harsher conditions.
Atomic Oxygen Testing Adds Another Layer of Validation
The company's June 29 announcement provided another important technology milestone.
ASTI reported that its space-grade thin-film photovoltaic products experienced zero power loss during Atomic Oxygen exposure testing equivalent to approximately six months at the altitude of the International Space Station, approximately 400 kilometers.
Atomic Oxygen is an especially challenging factor in LEO because it can erode polymers, coatings and other materials used in spacecraft solar-array construction.
ASTI is now proceeding with additional testing designed to simulate longer mission durations.
For investors, the combination of radiation-related NASA testing and Atomic Oxygen resilience testing provides a growing body of environmental-performance data supporting the company's space technology strategy.
Real Spacecraft Applications Are Already Emerging
Ascent's opportunity is not limited to laboratory testing.
Earlier this year, the company announced that its previously delivered flexible PV blankets had been successfully integrated into NOVI Space's N-1 ATLAS spacecraft, scheduled to fly aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Transporter mission.
The spacecraft's design uses a tightly rolled CIGS array, allowing the solar system to be stowed efficiently while supporting approximately 150 watts of power generation.
ASTI has also reported a 100-module order supporting another satellite program focused on in-space manufacturing.
These developments are important because they demonstrate the transition from technology development toward actual spacecraft integration and commercial customer activity.
Drones and HAPS Expand the Addressable Market
Although space remains ASTI's primary strategic focus, the company is increasingly finding opportunities for its lightweight solar technology in unmanned systems.
In August, ASTI reported initial orders from two Eastern European drone manufacturers for wing integration, with potential recurring annual demand estimated at approximately 200–300 kilowatts as production develops.
The company is also pursuing a European High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) opportunity.
HAPS and HALE platforms can potentially provide communications, surveillance and other capabilities from high altitudes, where lightweight and reliable power generation becomes particularly valuable.
These opportunities demonstrate how the same CIGS technology developed for space can potentially be adapted for high-altitude and unmanned aircraft applications.
Autonomous Marine Systems Add Yet Another Market
ASTI is also developing opportunities in unmanned marine systems.
The company has reported initial product orders from two unmanned marine vehicle companies, creating another potential market for lightweight, flexible photovoltaic technology.
This diversification could become strategically important because ASTI can potentially leverage its core CIGS platform across several specialized markets without abandoning its primary space focus.
H1 2026 Demonstrated Increasing Commercial Activity
In its July H1 update, Ascent reported completing prepaid customer orders for space, HAPS/HALE and specialized terrestrial applications, completing Atomic Oxygen testing, continuing space power-beaming development, pursuing European business opportunities and closing an up-to-$25 million private placement.
Management also outlined goals for the remainder of 2026 that include developing new business relationships, securing repeat orders, enhancing thin-film PV technology, conducting additional environmental testing and progressing UAV and HAPS arrays for European partners.
That creates a potentially important second-half roadmap for investors to watch.
Investment Perspective
Today's announcement adds another layer to what has become an increasingly interesting ASTI story.
Ascent Solar is attempting to position its proprietary CIGS thin-film photovoltaic technology for environments where conventional solar panels can face limitations involving weight, flexibility, durability and resilience.
The company's recent progression is notable:
NASA-related testing → radiation self-annealing research → MEO/GEO qualification → Atomic Oxygen testing → spacecraft deployments → space power-beaming → drones → HAPS → unmanned marine systems → expanded defense expertise.
The addition of Tom Bawol and LTG. Steve Smith could help ASTI turn some of these technological advantages into new government, defense and commercial relationships.
At the same time, investors should recognize that Ascent remains an emerging technology company and that successful commercialization, customer adoption, financing and execution remain critical factors.
Nevertheless, the opportunity is becoming increasingly broad.
As the global space economy expands and governments invest heavily in defense, autonomous systems and next-generation orbital infrastructure, the demand for lightweight, reliable and resilient power generation could become increasingly important.
With today's leadership appointments, ASTI is adding significant military and government expertise to an already expanding technology platform—while its NASA-related results, multi-orbit testing program, spacecraft deployments and growing unmanned-systems opportunities continue to develop.
For investors watching the intersection of NASA, advanced solar technology, space infrastructure, defense and autonomous systems, N A S D A Q: ASTI remains a company worth watching closely as it works to turn decades of thin-film PV development into a new generation of commercial opportunities.
For more information on $ASTI visit: https://www.ascentsolar.com https://compasslivemedia.com/asti/
Media Contact
Company Name: Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc (N A S D A Q: ASTI)
Contact Person: Paul Warley, CEO
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (720) 872-5000
Country: United States
Website: https://www.ascentsolar.com
DISCLAIMER: https://corporateads.com/disclaimer/
Disclosure listed on the CorporateAds website
Photos: (Click photo to enlarge)
Source: CorporateAds
Read Full Story - Defense & Space Strategy Strengthens as New Leadership Builds on NASA Results and Expanding Multi-Orbit Opportunities for Ascent Solar Technologies | More news from this source
Press release distribution by PRLog
Musk midterm spending tops $442M
Tech mogul Elon Musk has spent more than $442 million in the midterm elections, after pouring another $76.8 million into his super PAC over the past month, campaign finance filings show. America PAC, which Musk launched during the 2024 elections, received the influx of cash from the SpaceX and Tesla CEO over the course of...
Nvidia’s Jensen Huang brings ‘sovereign AI’ push to Kazakhstan, shrugs off bubble fears
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is pitching the concept of “sovereign AI” in Kazakhstan – part of his global crusade urging nations to build domestic computing infrastructure using the firm’s chips – as the energy-rich nation emerges as a US-China battleground for artificial intelligence. Speaking at a fireside chat in Astana on Friday with Kazakh AI and digital development minister Zhaslan Madiyev, Huang said AI was reshaping every industry in a transformation that “affects every single person and...
China's humanoids go job hunting amid Korea's bets on physical AI
Chinese humanoid robot makers are accelerating efforts to gain a foothold in Korea, moving beyond dance performances and showroom displays to factory trials and other commercial applications as Seoul beefs up investment in physical artificial intelligence (AI). A string of Chinese robotics companies have flexed their muscles or announced projects in the country this year, including Hong Kong-listed Ubtech, startup Anyverse Dynamics, Shanghai-based Agibot and leading robot maker Unitree. “China’s new generation of robot companies has global DNA and naturally looks overseas, and Korea is one of the most important markets in Asia-Pacific,” said Ethan Qi, an associate director covering robotics at Counterpoint Research. The absence of locally built humanoids available at scale has created an opening for Chinese suppliers, he added. Early footprint Representatives of Galaxy Robot Park, a robot-themed entertainment venue in Seoul, agreed to buy Ubtech’s lifelike U1 model after attending its debut in Shenzhen in June, according to Sean Qin, overseas head of the company's commercial robo
Chung Mong-Koo Foundation's pianists sweep international awards
Three young Korean pianists — supported by Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation — have earned international recognition this year, winning top prizes at major competitions in Europe and the United States. Shin Young-ho, 19, placed second in the piano category at the 76th Giovanni Battista Viotti International Music Competition, which concluded in Vercelli, Italy, on Oct. 17. Lee Jeong-woo, 18, won first prize at the 20th George Enescu International Competition in Bucharest, Romania, in September, while Lee Ju-eon, 15, claimed prizes at three international piano competitions in the United States during the first half of the year. The achievements highlight the progress of a new generation of pianists who have received sustained support from the foundation, as they pursue international careers. Shin continued his strong performance on the international competition circuit, following a second-place finish at the Dublin International Piano Competition and a special prize at the Pancho Vladigerov International Piano Competition, both held in 2025. Selected as a foundation scholarship re
Korean builders face risk of losing $755 mil. in unpaid Iraq refinery project
Hyundai Engineering & Construction (E&C) and three other local builders are at risk of losing more than 1 trillion won ($755 million) tied up in a major Iraqi refinery project, according to documents obtained by a ruling party lawmaker Friday. Hyundai E&C, GS Engineering & Construction, SK ecoplant and Hyundai Engineering have yet to collect 625.4 billion won in outstanding payments and are facing the possible forfeiture of another 420.2 billion won in performance guarantees. The builders have been seeking payment for work on the $6.8 billion Karbala Refinery Project, commissioned by Iraq's state-owned State Company for Oil Projects (SCOP). Company materials provided to Rep. Lee Jae-gang of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea showed the construction of a refinery capable of processing 140,000 barrels of crude oil per day was delayed by factors including Iraq’s internal conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic. The companies handed over the refinery's facilities to the Iraqi side in December 2023. However, SCOP has withheld payments, citing outstanding defects and missing tax-related docume
Woojin recognized for job creation, improved working conditions
Woojin Industrial Systems, a Korean manufacturer of railway vehicles and electric buses, said Friday it has been selected for this year’s Ministry of Employment and Labor recognition program honoring companies for creating jobs and improving working conditions. The annual program recognizes 100 private companies and provides administrative and financial incentives to encourage hiring and improve workplace practices. Woojin said investment outside the Seoul metropolitan area helped drive its employment growth. It completed a 47 billion won ($35 million) electric bus factory in Gimcheon, North Gyeongsang Province, supporting efforts to recruit about 100 local workers. The proportion of the company’s workforce covered by employment insurance rose to 673 at the end of 2025 from 578 in 2024. Woojin attributed the growth to investment and recruitment partnerships with local universities and vocational high schools. Of its 140 new hires in 2025, 64 were aged 15 to 34. The company said expanded recruitment of women and support for maternity protection measures helped reduce its female employ
Financial industry heavyweights compete to head banking lobby
With the Korea Federation of Banks (KFB) set to appoint its next chairman, several former financial executives and regulators are emerging as potential candidates to take the helm of the country’s leading banking lobby, according to industry officials on Friday. The federation represents 23 full members — commercial, regional and internet-only lenders — as well as 33 associate members, comprising branches of foreign banks. The incumbent, Cho Yong-byoung, is due to leave office on Nov. 30. Yoon Jong-kyoo, former chairman of KB Financial Group, has long been viewed as a front-runner. He served as a vice chairman at accounting firm Samil PwC and president of KB Kookmin Bank before leading KB Financial from 2014 to 2023, overseeing major acquisitions including LIG Insurance and Hyundai Securities. But the prospect of another KB Financial veteran taking a top post at a financial industry association has drawn growing resistance. The concern has intensified after Lee Dong-chul, a former KB Financial vice chairman, took the helm of the Credit Finance Association this year, followed by Kim
KEPCO wins UNLEASH award for 2nd straight year
Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO) has won the UNLEASH Learning and Development Award for the second consecutive year, becoming the first Korean company to achieve the feat and reaffirming its global competitiveness in human resource development (HRD), the state-run utility said Friday. The award was presented at UNLEASH World 2026, a major human resources development conference, in Paris on Thursday (local time), according to KEPCO. Established in 2016 by the European Association for People Management and U.K.-based HR technology group UNLEASH, the award recognizes excellence in HRD, based on its strategic impact, organizational role and contribution to business performance. The recognition follows KEPCO's consecutive wins at the ATD Awards, organized by the U.S.-based Association for Talent Development, over the past two years, further demonstrating the company's expertise in employee training and talent management. KEPCO said evaluators recognized its alignment of HRD with business strategy, data-driven personalized training and integration of HRD with human resource management (HRM).
Woori Financial Q3 net falls 16% on one-time factor
Woori Financial Group Inc. on Friday reported a decline in its third-quarter net profit on a one-off factor. Its net profit reached 1.04 trillion won ($784 million) in the July-September period, down 15.7 percent from a year earlier. The earnings exceeded market expectations. The average estimate of net profit by analysts stood at 963.4 billion won, according to a survey by Yonhap Infomax, the financial data firm of Yonhap News Agency. In the first nine months of the year, the banking group racked up 2.66 trillion won in net profit, down 4.9 percent on-year. Operating profit for the July-September period was 1.41 trillion won, up 43.6 percent from a year ago, and revenue also jumped 66.2 percent to 13.3 trillion won. Interest income rose 1.7 percent on-year to 2.37 trillion won in the third quarter. Its non-interest income, on the other hand, sank 7.6 percent on-year to 581 billion won in the July-September period, Woori said. The financial group's flagship Woori Bank, meanwhile, reported a net profit of 1.02 trillion won in the third quarter, sharply up from a net profit of 736 billion won
Hana Financial Q3 net up 7.9% on rise in interest, non-interest income
Hana Financial Group Inc. on Friday reported a rise in net profit in the third quarter of the year, driven by a rise in interest and non-interest income. The banking group said it racked up a net profit of 1.22 trillion won ($919 million) in the July-September period, up 7.86 percent from a year earlier. The earnings are higher than market expectations. The average estimate of net profit by analysts stood at 1.21 trillion won, according to a survey by Yonhap Infomax, the financial data firm of Yonhap News Agency. Hana Financial posted 1.63 trillion won in operating profit for the quarter, compared with 1.48 trillion won a year ago. Revenue also rose 83.6 percent to 19.99 trillion won. In the first nine months of the year, Hana racked up 3.62 trillion won in net profit, up 5.56 percent on-year, marking the highest ever. Hana Financial posted an interest income of 7.48 trillion won in the January-September period, up 10.37 percent on-year, and its commission income spiked 29.8 percent to 2.14 trillion won over the cited period. Its flagship Hana Bank reaped a net profit of 1.19 trillion won
KSD channels $1.17 mil. funding this year into regional talent, startups in Busan
The Korea Securities Depository (KSD) has directed funding toward social welfare and innovative businesses, contributing an average of around 1.78 billion won ($1.34 million) annually from 2023 to 2025 and 1.55 billion won for this year, the state-run agency said Friday. Headquartered in Busan, KSD focuses much of its social contribution work on developing local talent, helping young people become financially independent and strengthening the regional economy. Its programs range from scholarships and job training to funding for social enterprises, startups and small and midsize businesses. One such effort is the Open Campus, which introduces university students to KSD’s work and career opportunities in the securities industry. Participants learn about its core functions, including securities settlement, get information on recruitment and speak with current employees. Launched in 2019 with 35 students from five universities, it has grown to 60 students from 12 universities this year. Since 2025, the program has been part of a wider initiative to strengthen Busan’s financial-sector tal
Nongshim brings Shin Ramyun heat to Musinsa pop-up in Osaka
Nongshim is bringing the flavors of Korea’s instant noodles to Japan’s fashion-conscious young consumers, joining forces with fashion platform Musinsa for a 17-day pop-up event in Osaka that pairs Korean food with fashion and beauty. The Korean food company is operating a Shin Ramyun brand booth at Musinsa Osaka Pop-up Store 2026 at VS in Umeda through Nov. 8. The collaboration aims to introduce Japanese shoppers drawn to Korean fashion to Korean food culture through hands-on experiences, with Umeda serving as a busy commercial district frequented by young consumers and international tourists. At the booth, visitors can sample freshly prepared Shin Ramyun Tomba, using an instant noodle cooker modeled on machines popular along Korea’s Han River, where people cook noodles on-site. Visitors who follow Nongshim Japan’s official Instagram account can try the dish, while those who complete a survey after tasting it can receive Shin Ramyun Rose, with additional branded merchandise available through a prize draw. Shin Ramyun Tomba combines spicy seasoning with a creamy flavor and has gain
Too busy for parental controls? Think again
YOUR NEWS, OUR NETWORK.
Do you have Great News you want to tell the world?
Be it updates about your business or your community, you can make sure that it’s heard by submitting your story to our network reaching hundreds of news sites across 6 verticals.