SolAero Technologies is planning to open a new 40,000ft² facility at its headquarters in Albuquerque, New Mexico, US, to manufacture solar panels for commercial satellites.

Upon completion, the new $10m facility is expected to add more 100 new jobs at SolAero.

“We recognise the opportunity that New Space business models present for suppliers to bring new technologies and novel approaches to market.”

Last year, Airbus OneWeb Satellites (OneWeb) selected SolAero to provide solar panels for OneWeb’s constellation of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which aims to bring affordable internet access.

SolAero Technologies CEO Dr Brad Clevenger said: “Our partnership further demonstrates that SolAero, the industry’s only vertically integrated space solar panel provider, remains uniquely positioned to service the world’s most demanding satellite applications.”

“We recognise the opportunity that New Space business models present for suppliers to bring new technologies and novel approaches to market.”

SolAero was previously involved in designing and manufacturing power systems for satellite constellations, including Sierra Nevada’s Orbcomm Generation 2, Orbital ATK’s commercial resupply services and SSL’s new imaging satellites.

Last month, SolAero was selected to develop and manufacture solar cells and flexible solar modules for Bye Aerospace’s StratoAirNet solar-electric unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).

The StratoAirNet family of UAVs will provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities for various commercial and government security requirements.