Ascent Solar Technologies, a US based manufacturer of lightweight and flexible thin-film photovoltaic modules headquartered in Thornton, Colorado, has delivered test samples of its solar technology to two advanced technology developers. According to Ascent Solar, the samples were provided to an ocean monitoring technology company that designs autonomous underwater vehicles, and to a space-focused power lasing company developing orbital power beaming systems. The underwater tests aim to assess the modules’ durability and functionality under aquatic conditions, while the space firm will examine their performance in power transmission between satellites. As per CEO Paul Warley, Ascent Solar has viewed these trials as key to expanding the application of thin-film PV in extreme environments, including underwater and outer space operations.