Redwire’s advanced solar panels power Ovzon 3 satellite
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 11, 2024
Redwire Corporation (NYSE:RDW) has reported the successful deployment and operation of its Roll-Out Solar Arrays (ROSA) on the Ovzon 3 communications satellite. This event marks the first-ever use of Redwire’s ROSA technology in a commercial geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellite, representing a major step forward in solar power technology for space applications.
The Ovzon 3 satellite, constructed by Maxar Space Systems, was successfully launched on January 3, 2024, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This mission is pivotal as it showcases the successful integration of ROSA on a commercial platform, following years of proven performance on the International Space Station (ISS) and during NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission.
Adam Biskner, President of Space Systems at Redwire, expressed the company’s pride in supporting the Ovzon 3 mission. “Redwire is proud to support the Ovzon 3 mission with innovative ROSA technology, which will provide reliable, compact, and scalable solar power generation for the spacecraft,” Biskner stated. This sentiment underscores Redwire’s commitment to leveraging its innovative solar technology to empower a wide range of missions from low Earth orbit (LEO) to GEO and beyond.
Chris Johnson, CEO of Maxar Space Systems, acknowledged the significance of the collaboration with Redwire. “We appreciate the partnership with Redwire and their commitment to excellence and reliability as a trusted supplier for this mission,” said Johnson. He also expressed anticipation for future collaborations, highlighting the successful synergy between the two space technology giants.
The Ovzon 3 satellite, equipped with two 5-kW ROSA wings, adds to the technology’s impressive track record, including its deployment on the ISS and its role in NASA’s DART mission. In June 2023, Redwire had announced a follow-on contract to build two additional ROSAs for the ISS, further solidifying the technology’s role in ongoing space operations.
ROSA’s innovative design is not just limited to GEO satellites. It is also integral to powering the Maxar-built Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) of the NASA-led lunar Gateway, set to launch in the following year. The PPE will be equipped with a pair of 37-kW ROSA wings, making them some of the most powerful spacecraft solar arrays ever constructed. This wide range of applications highlights ROSA’s versatility and capability in various space environments and missions.
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