Rocket Lab STARRAY solar arrays reflect the company’s continued evolution beyond launch vehicles. While Rocket Lab made its name with the Electron rocket, it now targets satellite power systems with a flexible and affordable solution.
Earlier this month, the company introduced its STARRAY line at the 40th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs. These customizable solar arrays are designed for satellite builders who want speed, reliability, and lower costs without starting from scratch. As a result, the STARRAY line is ideal for first-time or one-off satellite missions.
“Customers can choose from a range of pre-engineered solar array configurations to meet the needs of their application,” said Brad Clevenger, Rocket Lab’s Vice President of Space Systems. He added that the company’s vertically integrated manufacturing process supports performance, speed, and long-term dependability.
Notably, the STARRAY series includes seven array sizes. Power outputs range from 100 watts to more than 2,000 watts. Therefore, customers can match their array to mission-specific requirements while avoiding long development delays.
Rocket Lab’s foray into solar technology builds on its 2022 acquisition of SolAero Technologies. That deal brought advanced solar cell manufacturing in-house. Consequently, Rocket Lab now oversees every stage of production—from solar cells to finished arrays.
This vertical integration provides a major advantage. It allows the company to streamline production, improve quality control, and accelerate delivery timelines. More importantly, it ensures consistency across every mission.
In addition to its work in the private space sector, Rocket Lab is expanding into defense. The U.S. Department of Defense recently named the company as a potential partner for hypersonic programs. Furthermore, Rocket Lab’s HASTE rocket will soon launch the DART AE mission, supporting the Defense Innovation Unit’s Hypersonic and High-Cadence Airborne Testing program.
Through STARRAY and its expanding defense initiatives, Rocket Lab is becoming more than just a launch provider. Instead, it now offers an end-to-end ecosystem for space innovation—covering launch, power, and mission support.
Ultimately, the launch of Rocket Lab STARRAY solar arrays represents a strategic move toward deeper industry involvement. By combining customizable designs with rapid turnaround and cost efficiency, Rocket Lab is lowering the barrier for space access.
Looking ahead, companies in the commercial and defense sectors can expect faster, smarter, and more affordable mission solutions. And thanks to STARRAY, power systems won’t be a bottleneck—they’ll be a boost.
