Composite Satellite Solar Panels

With new satellite constellations launching at record pace, APEX Space & Defense Systems (APEX SDS) supports this rapidly growing market by manufacturing satellite solar panels built for the demands of modern space programs. Our equipment, cleanrooms, and expertise allow us to provide fully tested solar panels including complete solar array assemblies. We can support initial product design and low-to-high volume production with panel size capacities upward of 10’ x 20’ to meet your application requirements. Using a composite sandwich structure of carbon-fiber-reinforced-polymer (CFRP) face sheets bonded to an aluminum honeycomb core, our satellite solar panels are rigid, precise, thermally stable, and light relative to their strength.

APEX SDS Satellite Solar Panel Manufacturing

APEX SDS operates a dedicated Space Panel Center of Excellence at our Irvine, California facility. Our state-of-the-art facility features 20,000 sq. ft. of capacity purpose-built for satellite structure manufacturing, based in the USA and providing key capabilities:

Panel capacity sizes up to 10’ x 20’
Extensive experience with large, complex laminates and cores
Cleanroom manufacturing space measuring 80’ x 40’
Autoclaves, ovens, and CNC 5-axis machining sized for satellite panels
- CNC Machining: 40’ x 15’
- Oven: 40’ x 20’
- Autoclave: 15’ diameter, 32’ length
Design engineering and design for manufacturing (DFM) with in-house customer support
In-house composite tooling design and manufacturing
In-house design and manufacturing for shop tools, ground support equipment (GSE) and shipping containers for large composite structures
CMM, FARO, NDI/NDT inspection and testing capabilities
High-volume production with full assembly, integration, and testing in-house

Full-Cycle Manufacturing Capabilities

From individual solar panels, fully bonded and tested, to complete solar arrays for a ready-to-install system, APEX SDS provides full-cycle manufacturing. Our experts work directly with client teams on design engineering and material selection, so each solution meets the weight, thermal performance, and cost requirements of the application, including custom in-house tooling capabilities.

Satellite Solar Array Applications

Demand for satellite solar panels is accelerating across multiple program types and orbital classes. APEX SDS manufactures satellite solar panels and arrays for applications, including:

LEO, MEO, and GEO satellite constellations
Lightweight, efficient satellite-based AI data centers
Power generation solutions for orbital platforms
Sensor networks for domestic missile defense

Work With a Satellite Solar Panel Manufacturer with Capabilities for High-Volume

Whether your program needs individual solar panels or complete solar array assemblies, APEX SDS has the manufacturing infrastructure, engineering expertise, and production capacity to meet our customers’ needs. We work directly with client teams from material selection through final qualification, with scaling capabilities to suit program demand. Explore other satellite components we manufacture, request a quote, or contact us to speak with our team about your satellite solar panel requirements.