Ascent Solar Technologies (Nasdaq: ASTI) announced results from preliminary atomic oxygen (AO) exposure testing of its space-grade thin-film photovoltaic products, showing zero power loss after simulated exposure equivalent to six months in orbit at the altitude of the International Space Station (400 km).

Atomic oxygen is described as the most predominant particle in low-Earth orbit (LEO) and is known to cause damage to materials including erosion, cracking, shrinking, and oxidation. The company said its space-grade products use 1 mil FEP film as the primary barrier and encapsulant.

According to the press release, silicon and gallium arsenide solar technologies commonly used in LEO can experience power losses ranging from a few percent to more than 10% over several years due to AO exposure. AO can erode polymer blankets, oxidize metallic interconnects, and degrade compounds covering solar cells, reducing light transmission to the photoactive layer.

Ascent Solar said it has completed several rounds of AO exposure testing and plans to conduct additional testing to simulate longer mission durations in AO-rich environments.

"These positive results represent yet another critical value proposition of our PV technology, enabling spacecraft operators to endure the punishing conditions of space," said Paul Warley, CEO of Ascent Solar Technologies.

Ascent Solar is based in Thornton, Colorado, where it operates a research and development center and a 5-MW nameplate production facility.