Ascent Solar’s Monolithically Integrated Thin-Film Solar Selected for Further Testing for Deep Space Exploration by the German Aerospace Center

THORNTON, CO, Feb. 20, 2018 -- Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (OTCBQ: ASTI), a developer and manufacturer of state-of-the-art, lightweight and flexible thin-film photovoltaic (PV) solutions, announces that the company has been selected by the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) for further testing to develop custom PV products designed specifically for DLR’s upcoming solar array deployment system. 

DLR’s new GOSOLAR project is aimed at testing the deployment technology needed for a large-scale solar power generation system that will use a flexible photovoltaic membrane.   Ascent’s technology will allow DLR to address the very challenging current requirements that come with this innovative approach to solar-sail deployment in a gossamer formation. The use of Ascent Solar’s patented monolithically integrated modules will allow DLR to implement their unique deployment design while maximizing the area generating electrical power.

“We are pleased that DLR has selected our material for testing of their applicability to large solar array deployment,” stated Dr. Joseph Armstrong, Chief Technology Officer and founding member of Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. “We have been gaining traction in the deep space community, in part because we have a unique, lightweight and flexible product, but also because our monolithic integration offers greater design latitude that traditional crystalline products do not. We have demonstrated the ability to adjust the physical dimensions of our modules to meet the need of customers, and with unique deployment schemes employed by DLR, correctly sizing our solution to accommodate proper stowage and deployment is critical.” 

“We are honored to be selected by DLR for deployment of their solar sails in a gossamer formation meant for the extremely punishing space environment,” said Victor Lee, President and CEO of Ascent Solar. “Our design allows us to maximize the surface area of our award-winning solar technology while keeping the thin and lightweight profile of the deployed solar sails. We look forward to further development and testing with DLR in the coming years.”

ABOUT ASCENT SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC:

Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc., an ISO 9001-2015 certified company, is a developer of thin-film photovoltaic modules using flexible substrate materials that are more versatile and rugged than traditional solar panels.  Ascent Solar modules were named as one of the top 100 technologies in both 2010 and 2015 by R&D Magazine, and one of TIME Magazine's 50 best inventions for 2011. The technology described above represents the cutting edge of flexible power and can be directly integrated into consumer products and off-grid applications, as well as other aerospace applications. Ascent Solar is headquartered in Thornton, Colorado, where the company’s quality management system has achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification. More information can be found at www.AscentSolar.com.

ABOUT GERMAN AEROSPCAE CENTER (DLR):

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is the national aeronautics and space research center of the Federal Republic of Germany. Its extensive research and development work in aeronautics, space, energy, transport, digitalization and security is integrated into national and international cooperative ventures. In addition to its own research, as Germany’s space agency, DLR has been given responsibility by the federal government for the planning and implementation of the German space program. DLR is also the umbrella organization for the nation’s largest project management agency. More information can be found here.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other unknown factors that could cause the Company's actual operating results to be materially different from any historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to statements that explicitly describe these risks and uncertainties, readers are urged to consider statements that contain terms such as "believes," "belief," "expects," "expect," "intends," "intend," "anticipate," "anticipates," "plans," "plan," to be uncertain and forward-looking. The forward-looking statements contained herein are also subject generally to other risks and uncertainties that are described from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 

Ascent Solar Technologies 
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Adam Holdsworth 
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