mPower Technology, a company specialising in advanced solar solutions for space applications, has officially commissioned an automated production line for its DragonSCALES™ solar modules in Conklin, New York State. The site, hosted by Universal Instruments Corporation, now stands as the world’s first large-scale factory dedicated to manufacturing photovoltaic modules specifically for use in space.
The plant’s annual production capacity is 1 megawatt (MW) at launch, with plans to double to 2 MW by mid-2026. This expansion aims to meet growing demand for lightweight, modular solar equipment adapted to the requirements of low Earth orbit (LEO) vehicles, orbital transfer stations, lunar habitats, Mars missions, and space-based power generation initiatives.
An industrial milestone for the space sector
According to mPower, this production line marks a significant break from the artisanal methods historically used in the space sector. It enables the industrialisation of a process previously confined to small-scale manual manufacturing. The company has already begun shipping flight-ready hardware to clients, including Airbus, with whom a supply contract was recently signed.
The factory is part of a broader expansion strategy designed to support the most ambitious space projects. mPower states that its DragonSCALES™ technology, thanks to its modular design, low mass and resilience, is now ready to be deployed at scale to deliver energy in the most challenging space environments.
Production ramp-up and industrial ambition
mPower’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Hell, stated that this milestone represents a turning point for the space solar industry. He noted the company’s intention to support large-scale space power programmes through this unprecedented industrial capacity, enabling faster deliveries and a more secure supply chain.
This development comes amid a surge of initiatives aiming to establish autonomous energy infrastructure beyond Earth, driven in part by the proliferation of orbital constellations and future crewed exploration programmes. mPower is positioning itself strategically at the intersection of the space industry and energy innovation.
