Rocket Lab launches tailored solar arrays for next gen satellite missions
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 10, 2025
USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) has unveiled a new suite of customizable solar arrays, branded as STARRAY, aimed at addressing the broad spectrum of satellite power demands across all orbital environments. The official debut took place during the 40th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
STARRAY systems are engineered for adaptability, delivering power outputs ranging from around 100 watts to over 2,000 watts. This is achieved through modular configurations of up to four panels per wing and Rocket Lab’s highest-performing radiation-hardened quadruple junction solar cells. The design provides customers with a plug-and-play option that balances rapid deployment, mission-specific tuning, and cost-efficiency without extensive redesign.
Rocket Lab is uniquely positioned with the industry’s only fully vertically integrated solar array production line. The company manages every stage of the process in-house, from fabricating solar cells and CICs (cell interconnect covers) to assembling complete panels and integrated arrays.
“Our objective is to offer the industry mission-specific customization with short lead times and lower costs,” said Brad Clevenger, Vice President of Space Systems at Rocket Lab. “Customers can choose from a range of pre-engineered solar array configurations to meet the needs of their application while leveraging the flight-proven reliability, performance, and speed of Rocket Lab’s vertically-integrated manufacturing.”
Rocket Lab’s heritage in solar technology spans over two decades, having supported a wide array of high-profile missions. These include contributions to national security platforms, deep space science ventures like the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA’s Artemis lunar initiatives, and Mars explorers such as Ingenuity and the Insight Lander. Commercially, Rocket Lab’s arrays are also powering over 1,100 satellites in orbit today, notably OneWeb’s GEN1 constellation, which delivers broadband internet from low Earth orbit.
Related Links
Space Solar Solutions at Rocket Lab
All About Solar Energy at SolarDaily.com
