Rocket Lab Introduces Advanced Silicon Solar Arrays To Power Space-Based Data Centers
Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, have announced the introduction of advanced silicon solar arrays designed to power gigawatt-scale space-based data centers spanning kilometers in orbit.
Terrestrial-based data centers are power-constrained, land-intensive, and consume significant volumes of water for cooling. Space-based data centers are freed from these environmentally intensive and resource-heavy constraints by taking advantage of the abundant space in orbit, the cold space environment, and the limitless energy of the sun. Power is the gating factor to the scalability of data centers on orbit and Rocket Lab's silicon solar arrays deliver low cost per watt at industrial scale, enabling gigawatt-class power generation in space using mass-manufacturable, lightweight, and modular systems that can scale economically as orbital compute demand rises.
Space solar power explained: Solar cells capture energy from the sun to generate the electricity needed to power satellites on orbit. Typically, these cells have been made of gallium arsenide and germanium due to these materials’ ability to withstand the harsh radiation environment of space. Both are critical minerals for which supply is constrained by evolving geopolitical challenges. The stark reality is that the satellite industry is projected to grow seven times by 2035, space-based data centers are on the horizon, and solar power supply chains are at risk of failing to keep up. A new solution is needed now, not years or decades into the future, and silicon is the answer.
Rocket Lab already boasts the world’s largest installed production capacity for gallium arsenide and germanium based solar arrays, and now the company has taken the future-proofing step of introducing silicon-based solar arrays to its production capabilities. Designed for constellation scale production, the arrays feature radiation hardened solar cell modules that are flexible and lightweight. This is crucial to supporting a variety of stowage and deployment methods tailored to any mission requirements. As the world’s only fully vertically integrated space power supplier, Rocket Lab already streamlines production and delivers cost efficiencies by offering solar cells, solar cell assemblies, and solar modules, solar panel substrates, complete solar panels and entire solar array wings, all integrated under one roof. Adding a space-qualified silicon solution to the Rocket Lab portfolio reduces reliance on critical mineral supply chains, mitigates potential vulnerabilities, and enables the ambitious and revolutionary space capabilities of the future including mega constellations and data centers on orbit.
Rocket Lab has taken the additional step of developing a hybrid solar array solution that incorporates both high efficiency and silicon solar cells, an approach that leverages the benefits of both solar cell technologies and enables adaptable and scalable solutions for any mission. When size, weight, power or performance are at a premium, high efficiency cells are enabling. When cost, schedule or constellation scale are required, silicon cells can meet the demand. When these factors must be traded off and balanced, hybrid arrays enable a combination of the two to deliver optimum performance at a compelling value.
“Space-based data centers are the next frontier in computing infrastructure, and reliable solar power systems will form the backbone of this revolution,” said Peter Beck, Rocket Lab Founder and CEO. “Rocket Lab's silicon solar arrays are designed to meet the unique challenges of operating in space while delivering the performance needed to support the growing demand for data processing and storage beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Brad Clevenger, President of Rocket Lab USA, said: “We are at a pivotal moment in space power capability and the time for leadership is now. Space infrastructure is now as critical to the economy, national security, and daily life as roads, electricity, and running water. Introducing silicon solar arrays at constellation scale is Rocket Lab taking an essential and industry-leading step toward ensuring the ongoing security and growth of America’s space capabilities.”
This strategic decision builds on Rocket Lab’s semiconductor manufacturing expansion supported by the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act. In October 2025, Rocket Lab announced a $23.9 million CHIPS award to expand semiconductor production capabilities in Albuquerque, New Mexico, further bolstering its mission to deliver secure, high-performance, and domestically produced technologies.