Sierra Space opens Power Station solar tech center in Colorado to boost defense production

Sierra Space opens Power Station solar tech center in Colorado to boost defense production
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jun 30, 2025

Sierra Space has launched a new facility in Broomfield, Colorado, to ramp up production of its Surface Mount Technology (SMT) solar power systems, including those for national defense applications. The "Power Station," a 70,000-square-foot complex, is designed to meet growing demand for high-performance, defense-hardened solar arrays and complements Sierra Space's newly formed defense division and Victory Works satellite plant.

The $45 million Power Station features cutting-edge tooling, thermal vacuum and air chambers, and a full dynamics lab for vibration and pyroshock testing. With capacity for large-scale, rapid output, the company aims to produce one solar panel per day and up to 100 satellite wings per year.

"Sierra Space is re-industrializing the space-defense technology sector," said Erik Daehler, Vice President at Sierra Space. "We have the ability to build a solar panel a day, and a wing a week. We plan to deliver 40 satellite wings in the first phase of production and are scaling up to a 100 satellites wings per year by our full rate of production. Additionally, because of our unique architecture, our solar arrays are more resilient. The Power Station is a proof point in our dedication to support national security."

The SMT arrays produced at the Power Station incorporate high-efficiency multi-junction MWT micro-cells attached to printed circuit boards using standard pick-and-place robotics. This allows automated assembly, enhanced power density, and shorter production times, helping Sierra Space meet the demands of emerging satellite constellations.

"Using state-of-the art tools and integration equipment, our engineering and production teams have the expertise and experience to define, analyze, build, and test complete solar array systems," said Brian Anthony, Vice President of Spacecraft Systems. "Our scalable power systems can be tailored to fit a wide variety of mission options with reduced cycle time and risk by incorporating existing qualified and flight-proven designs. With this new production facility coming online, Sierra Space is ready to meet the needs of the rapidly emerging satellite constellation market and deliver space power at lightning speed."

Currently employing over 100 staff onsite, Sierra Space's solar solutions span power outputs from 10 watts to 10 kilowatts and include integrated components such as slip rings, motor controllers, and deployable mechanisms. These advances mark a significant milestone as the company celebrates 35 years in the space subsystem sector.