Lunar Gateway Roll-Out Solar Arrays Tested
Redwire Prepares for Major Delivery in Fourth Quarter
The first deployment test for a Redwire Roll-Out Solar Array (ROSA) for the lunar Gateway’s Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) has been completed. The Gateway ROSAs will generate an unprecedented 60kW - making these the most powerful ROSAs ever built.
"These ROSAs represent a significant technology achievement that will propel human spaceflight into a bold future.”
Adam Biskner, Redwire
With this robust power supply, Gateway will offer extensive capabilities for sustained exploration and research in deep space, potentially enabling ambitious activities such as resource extraction and utilization, while also providing peaceful space domain awareness and enhancing astronaut safety.
Redwire was contracted by Maxar, the prime contractor for PPE, to develop two ROSA wings. The pair of PPE ROSAs will undergo additional testing in the coming months as Redwire prepares to deliver the ROSA wings to Maxar in the fourth quarter of 2025.
“Redwire is proud to be contributing critical infrastructure for PPE and the Gateway mission, and we are grateful for the trust of our customer Maxar and the dedicated teams that are delivering this important hardware. These ROSAs represent a significant technology achievement that will propel human spaceflight into a bold future,” said Adam Biskner, Redwire president of Space Systems.
Redwire hosted a number of Gateway’s industry and international partners to witness the unveiling of the most powerful ROSAs. Leaders from Maxar, Northrop Grumman, the European Space Agency, the Consulate General of Canada, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and the United Arab Emirates’ Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), participated in the event and voiced uniform and unwavering support for the importance of the Gateway to deep space exploration of the Moon and Mars.
Powered by PPE and Redwire’s ROSAs, the Gateway will represent the pinnacle of solar electric propulsion technology, a key capability not just for future exploration missions to the Moon and Mars, but for national security platforms as well.
“The unprecedented global coalition supporting Gateway is providing more than 60% of its funding, creating a massive savings for the American taxpayer. Moreover, gaining experience with a large spacecraft supporting surface operations will create invaluable experience to ensure that a future mission to Mars is safe and successful," said Mike Gold, Redwire President of Civil and International Space. "Gateway will ensure that we do not cede the benefits of our international partnerships on Earth, or exploration leadership on the Moon and Mars to China.”